Latest News

Health News from the BBC and the NHS

BBC Health

High Street pharmacies in England to help people lose weight
They can refer customers to a free online NHS service that runs a programme to get people into shape.
Covid: NHS in push to vaccinate the final four million
Hard-to-reach groups – from rough sleepers to fairground workers – are being targeted in a final vaccine push.
Covid-19: 'We'll be second-class citizens if self-isolation rules go'
People with conditions that mean the vaccine does not work fear the removal of self-isolation rules.
Public told not to delay cancer check-ups
NHS chiefs are worried pressures on the NHS may deter people coming forward with symptoms.
Woman, 88, gets 'bionic eye implant'
A microchip has been implanted into her eye to tackle dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Covid infections falling across the UK, says ONS
It's the most significant drop since the Omicron wave hit the country in December, the figures suggest.
Was South Africa ignored over mild Omicron evidence?
South African scientists say their research was not taken more seriously because it was from Africa.
Millions are dying from drug-resistant infections, global report says
The death toll, worst in poorer countries and among the under-fives, needs urgent action, experts say.
Care home staff jailed for degrading acts to vulnerable man
They mistreated a vulnerable 54-year-old man they were employed to look after on a seaside break.
Tonga tsunami: Health warnings over toxic volcanic ash and sulphur
People are being advised to remain indoors to escape the dangerous ash and gases in the air.

NHS Choices Behind the Headlines

NHS Choices
Health A-Z
Symptoms, conditions, medicines, treatments and guides
Find conditions...
Cancer treatment response may be affected by gut bacteria
"Gut bacteria 'boost' cancer therapy," BBC News reports. The news comes from research into whether people...
Could a blood test in middle age predict dementia risk?
"Tissue inflammation blood test points to dementia risk," is the headline in The Times. Researchers in...
Acid reflux drugs linked to increased stomach cancer risk
"A drug commonly used to treat acid reflux is linked to a more than doubled risk of developing stomach...
Nutrient drink for Alzheimer's has disappointing result in trial
A new study investigating the effects of a nutrient drink for Alzheimer's disease has led to very different...
Marriage may help lower dementia risk
"Marriage and having close friends may help protect against dementia, according to Loughborough University...
Afternoon open heart surgery 'leads to fewer complications'
"Afternoon heart surgery has lower risk of complications, study suggests," says The Guardian. Researchers...
Report calls for better mental health support in the workplace
"Up to 300,000 people with long-term mental health problems have to leave their jobs each year, a report...
Blood-thinning drugs may reduce dementia risk in people with irregular heartbeats
"Common blood thinning drugs halve the risk of dementia for patients who have an irregular heartbeat,"...
New genetic variants associated with breast cancer identified
"Do you have one of the 180 breast cancer genes? One in five women has a variant that raises her risk...