BBC News

BBC News - Health

Why listening to birdsong is good for you

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:07:34 GMT

Actively listening to birdsong it is good for both your health, wellbeing and focus.

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".

Bird flu vaccine trial against potential pandemic strain begins

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:08 GMT

The jab targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide, but has yet to spread between humans.

County the place to develop spiritually, says monk

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:19:34 GMT

A senior Buddhist monk says Herefordshire has "everything" for a "person to be happy".

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.

'Fibroids left me in excruciating pain'

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:51:25 GMT

Woman's Hour discusses fibroids and the need for greater knowledge about the pain they can cause women.

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:43:26 GMT

Some UV exposure is essential for our wellbeing, but too much is damaging and can cause skin cancer.

'Fibroids left me in excruciating pain'

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:51:25 GMT

Woman's Hour discusses fibroids and the need for greater knowledge about the pain they can cause women.

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.

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

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:22:34 GMT

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

'I couldn't leave the house, I worried I'd cheat': The rise of relationship OCD

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:34:41 GMT

Relationship OCD is gaining awareness, but limited data means little is known about how common the condition is.

Resident doctors cancel strike after new offer from government

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:11 GMT

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.

How deadly have the heatwaves in England and Wales been?

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:38:32 GMT

Experts suggest more than 2,700 people may have died from heat-related causes during the heatwaves.

Is laughter really the best medicine?

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:27:32 GMT

Researchers launch a "Laughter Lab" to explore how laughing can improve wellbeing and health.

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.

Doctors failed to spot my hidden condition for so long I was left permanently disabled

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:21:57 GMT

Actor Daneka Etchells is performing in a show which reflects her experiences of "medical gaslighting".

We are living fewer years in good health: Is the NHS part of the problem?

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:42:35 GMT

What is driving the UK's fall in healthy life expectancy?

Inside Health

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher is joined by experts to answer key questions on the meningitis outbreak.

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.

Newborn babies in England to be tested for SMA

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:31:18 GMT

All newborn babies in England will be tested for the genetic disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), as part of a major study.

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.

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.

'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.

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".

Inside Health

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher finds out how a hot flush feels - and delves into a new treatment.

Granny wins care home Happy Hour law change

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:57:55 GMT

Anita Le Brun, the face of a campaign to allow for alcohol to be served at care homes without a licence, is celebrating its success.

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 fitness tracker knew I was pregnant before I did

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:09:18 GMT

Ravika is one of hundreds of women who are noticing early pregnancy signs through the data on their fitness trackers.

'Don't let blood be on your hands', mother tells inquiry

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:56:00 GMT

The mum of Elise Sebastian, who died in a mental health unit, gives evidence to the Lampard Inquiry.

NHS manager says trust wanted 4,000 reports 'gone'

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:52:45 GMT

He tells an inquiry he believed a trust was 'panicking' and was discouraged from raising rota issues.

Doctors failed to spot my hidden condition for so long I was left permanently disabled

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:21:57 GMT

Actor Daneka Etchells is performing in a show which reflects her experiences of "medical gaslighting".

What type of procrastinator are you - and how to fix it now (not later)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:09:00 GMT

The nine types of stalling that researchers say can reveal something deeper about us and why it's not always bad.

I'll lose my bowel because my pain was dismissed until my husband spoke up

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:01:10 GMT

An operation left Donna Davies in constant pain but she only felt believed when her husband spoke up.

Inside Health

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Does the success of the HPV vaccine mean that cervical screening can be reduced?

Why wellness is booming at festivals in the UK

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:09:26 GMT

Organisers say they are seeing more demand for wellness events such as yoga and running clubs.

Father warns of 'brain-eating amoeba' after son's death

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:00:09 GMT

Cases caused by the amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, have numbered in the hundreds since 1960 – but it can quickly prove fatal if not diagnosed correctly.

Targeted prostate cancer treatment cuts risk of side effects, study suggests

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 23:36:40 GMT

An NHS trial over 10 years followed nearly 3,500 men who received focal therapy, a less invasive treatment.

How my period is supercharging my ADHD

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:00:58 GMT

A first-of-its-kind study by UK researchers is looking at the link between menstrual cycles and ADHD.

The hidden cost of the night shift and how to sleep it off

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:01:55 GMT

More than three million people in the UK work night shifts, which can greatly impact their health. What can be done to help them?

'You are not alone with endometriosis pain'

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:02:03 GMT

Endometriosis wellbeing hubs are being called for by a Medway woman.

Energy drinks to be banned for under-16s in England from April

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:57:47 GMT

It will be illegal to sell high-caffeine beverages to under-16s from April next year, but soft drinks with lower caffeine levels will not be affected.

Why do we procrastinate?

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:06:44 GMT

The cause can be hidden or buried, says Dr Itamar Shatz, a lecturer at Cambridge University who is publishing a book on the subject this week.

Teenagers from 15 should be given free MenB vaccine, say UK experts

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:36:13 GMT

Advisers are asking the government to consider introducing MenB jabs following concerns over an outbreak in Kent earlier this year, in which two people died.

How to get through World Cup-induced sleep deprivation

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:09:31 GMT

The euphoria from England's dramatic victory over Mexico might not be enough to get you through Monday.

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.

Endometriosis groups 'crying out' for cut in diagnosis time

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:15:23 GMT

Two new non-invasive tests available from GPs are being proposed to speed up diagnosis times.

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.

How my period is supercharging my ADHD

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:00:58 GMT

A first-of-its-kind study by UK researchers is looking at the link between menstrual cycles and ADHD.

Jesy Nelson calls plan to test newborns for life-limiting muscle condition a 'victory'

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:20:52 GMT

All newborn babies are set to have a heel prick test for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in England.

What does hot weather do to the body?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:48:18 GMT

Hot weather during the summer can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm.

I had to stop modelling because I kept passing out from crippling endometriosis

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:12:23 GMT

Three women describe how endometriosis has affected their careers, as an inquiry takes place.

Inside Health

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Are mosquitos biting earlier and how to optimise sperm.