BBC News

BBC News - Health

Trans people should use hospital spaces according to biological sex, NHS England says

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:07:26 GMT

New guidance says trans patients should be cared for on single-sex hospital wards or bays that align with their biological sex.

I lost my hair to chemo - now my wigs are worn by A-list stars

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:14:20 GMT

Antonia Okonma Shittu's wig business was launched after a shock diagnosis, and she now wants to help other women feel their best.

Service increases access to mental health support

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 07:51:12 GMT

The programme covers a range of topics, including managing anxiety and boosting self-esteem.

Open wounds and eyes that can't close - women warn about cheap bleph eyelid surgery

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:00:25 GMT

A concerning number of patients are reporting problems from treatment abroad, say doctors.

Do you really need protein powder to build muscle?

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:27:41 GMT

Do you really need protein powder to build muscle?

Starting uni? What to know about the free NHS meningitis B jab in England

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:00:09 GMT

It follows the UK's largest and fastest growing meningitis B outbreak to date in Kent earlier this year.

Inside Health

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

How understanding inflammation could transform treatments from cancer to Alzheimer’s.

Yes, hang-xiety is a real thing

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:59:16 GMT

Waking up feeling hungover AND anxious? BBC Health's Chloe Hayward explains the science behind hang-xiety.

Inside Health

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:12:00 GMT

Millions of people still have long Covid, yet a cure still isn't quite within reach.

Why children's hospices are paying to throw away your donations

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:59:52 GMT

Acorns says it spends about £100,000 a year dealing with donated items that cannot be sold.

ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says government review

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:01:30 GMT

The review, which focuses on younger people, warned there was a risk society was moving from an era of under-diagnosis to over-diagnosis.

A&E to remain open as doctors' strike called off

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:15:17 GMT

Resident doctor strikes are now on pause while they consider a new pay offer form the government.

'What terminal cancer has taught me about life'

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 06:16:46 GMT

A Gloucestershire man with terminal cancer shares the life lessons he wishes he'd learned sooner.

I'm 12 and I want to try protein powder - should I?

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:35 GMT

We asked experts how safe it is for children and teenagers to take protein supplements.

Doctors vote to take strike action in row over pay

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:08:16 GMT

The British Medical Association is in dispute with Manx Care over "pay erosion since 2008".

Calls to improve endometriosis awareness in the workplace

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:50:09 GMT

June says better workplace understanding of the impact of endometriosis might have helped her daughter.

Calls to improve endometriosis awareness in the workplace

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:50:09 GMT

June says better workplace understanding of the impact of endometriosis might have helped her daughter.

More protein or less? The foods to get you through a heatwave

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:05:56 GMT

When turning on the oven is a no-no and you're bored of salads, these foods (and drinks) will help to beat the heat.

My contraceptive coil saved my life after it revealed I had cancer

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:05:59 GMT

Caroline Bailey was diagnosed after suffering with "a stabbing pain in the middle of my abdomen".

Emotional TV plea for cancer research leads to meeting with PM

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:56:25 GMT

Scottish athlete, Archie Goodburn, who was diagnosed with three inoperable brain tumours two years ago, met Andy Burnham after an appeal for more investment into brain cancer research.

UK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeks

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:16 GMT

The UK medicines regulator has given approval for an experimental vaccine to be tested on healthy adults.

Fewer than 800 Scots have received jabs for weight loss on NHS, BBC finds

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:17:37 GMT

Only five of Scotland's 14 health boards currently offer the treatment specifically for weight loss, it has emerged.

Inside Health

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Plus, how much do people really change their habits for a free coffee?

'Some think endometriosis is just a bad period, but it's so much worse'

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:21:02 GMT

Women with endometriosis are suffering financially as well as physically, a new report by MPs warns.

Menstrual fitness: Why some women are 'cycle-syncing' their workouts

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:22:05 GMT

Menstrual cycles are highly individual, making blanket advice found on social media difficult to apply, researchers say.

'Like a hangover': Why your partner's snoring could be impacting your health

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:56:18 GMT

Sleeping next to a snorer could be having a negative effect on your health, experts tell the BBC.

How to find your perfect pillow - according to an expert

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:45:37 GMT

Dr Chris McCarthy talks through the four considerations you need to make before buying your pillow.

'People forget we exist': Why older LGBTQ+ people fear losing identity

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 23:18:46 GMT

A report suggests older LGBTQ+ people experience more social isolation than their heterosexual peers.

'World-first' vaccine designed by artificial intelligence

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:29:06 GMT

Cambridge scientists say they have, for the first time, tested a vaccine designed by AI.

Covid inquiry PPE report - key findings

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:45:44 GMT

What went wrong with the government's planning and buying of vital items like gloves and gowns that cost taxpayers billions of pounds.

From the workplace to pop culture - why how we view women's anger is changing

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:40:22 GMT

Studies suggest women are getting angrier, but are they just more open about it?

'Ominous signs' of winter pressures as NHS waiting list grows

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:42:56 GMT

NHS winter pressures appear to be building already, with rises in waiting times for planned surgery.

UK wasted £10bn on PPE that left NHS staff poorly protected, Covid inquiry finds

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:12:53 GMT

Healthcare staff were unable to properly protect themselves, or those in their care, from dangerous infections, says the latest inquiry report.

Inside Health

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Full body scans, nutritious stockpiles and why strokes are rising in black communities.

'I was blamed for my baby's death, now NHS needs to change'

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:42:43 GMT

Neil and Katie Russell are working with the hospital where their daughter died on the scheme.

Childhood cancer symptoms can be easily missed - here's what to look out for

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 23:03:45 GMT

Although rare, cancer is the leading cause of death from disease among children under 15 in the UK.

No money for new emergency department, says minister

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:47:43 GMT

Robbie Butler says a new ED at Altnagelvin hospital in Derry is a priority but he does not have the money to pay for it.

Emotional TV plea for cancer research leads to meeting with PM

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:10:41 GMT

Swimmer Archie Goodburn has been successful in his efforts to improve brain cancer care for patients as the UK government announce new measures.

Fund launched to back community wellbeing projects

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:35:58 GMT

The fund aims to attract support from individuals, families, businesses and charitable trusts.

Calls to improve endometriosis awareness in the workplace

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:50:09 GMT

June says better workplace understanding of the impact of endometriosis might have helped her daughter.

New mental health directory launches

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:09:04 GMT

It provides information about a range of services to support mental health, officials say.

Teen's death inspires mum's drive for earlier rare cancer diagnosis

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:12:55 GMT

Hannah York hopes new guidance will help doctors spot signs of soft tissue sarcomas sooner.

Which emergency foods should you stock up on?

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 05:22:09 GMT

The BBC's Annabel Rackham shares some dos and don'ts, following government advice in case of food supply chain disruption.

'We got penalised for saying 'pregnancy' on Instagram'

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:53:58 GMT

Creators say women's health content is getting them shadowbanned on social media. So what's really happening?

'We got penalised for saying 'pregnancy' on Instagram'

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:53:58 GMT

Creators say women's health content is getting them shadowbanned on social media. So what's really happening?

Harry says he 'slipped into depression' after leaving UK

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:55:41 GMT

The Duke of Sussex says he had an "adrenaline crash" while visiting Vancouver Island to "get some space".

Cut screen time in classrooms to avoid long-term health issues, clinicians urge

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 09:35:43 GMT

A group of clinicians warns technology use in English schools is driving a rise in health problems like short-sightedness.

What are the symptoms of meningitis and how is it spread?

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:27:27 GMT

Some people can carry bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but can spread it to others.

Consultants and specialist doctors take strike action over pay

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:26:34 GMT

Full emergency cover remained in place and patients were told to attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Resident doctors take strike action over pay

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:45:58 GMT

The BMA said there will "undoubtedly be cancellation of operations, outpatient appointments and elective care" but "patient safety will still be prioritised".

Running costs of vaccine damage scheme more than double amount paid to victims

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:45:14 GMT

The cost of administration and medical checks has now topped £83m, according to new figures.

Hospital doctors to strike as pay dispute continues

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:02:17 GMT

The British Medical Association says hospital doctors in Northern Ireland plan to strike in November.

Hospital doctors to strike as pay dispute continues

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:02:17 GMT

The British Medical Association says hospital doctors in Northern Ireland plan to strike in November.

Who is getting weight loss jags on the NHS in Scotland?

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:02:09 GMT

Fewer than 800 Scots have received jabs for weight loss on the NHS despite them being approved for use three years ago, BBC News has found.

Autism, ADHD and mental health review: What you need to know

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:16:11 GMT

It contains big lessons for the NHS, welfare, education and employment policies. What are the key takeaways?

Same-day test helps doctors detect hidden infections in critically ill children

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:34:45 GMT

Metagenomics offers a new way of detecting infections in intensive care patients.