Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Millions of people are waiting for scans, procedures or operationsThe government is setting up 19 more diagnostic centres in communities across England to help tackle the Covid backlog.Ninety one are already open and have delivered more than 2.4 million tests, checks and scans since last summer, ministers say.It is hoped

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, A rise in e-cigarettes coincided with a drop in the use of tobaccoBy Rachel RussellBBC NewsThe number of people smoking in the UK dropped to its lowest level on record last year but more people were using e-cigarettes, new figures have revealed. Data from the Office for National Statistics found

Image source, EPABy Nick TriggleHealth correspondentAmbulance staff across most of England and Wales will go on strike on 21 December in a dispute over pay.The coordinated walkout by the three main ambulance unions - Unison, GMB and Unite - will affect non-life threatening calls only.But it could mean people who have had trips and falls

Image source, Getty ImagesBy Michelle RobertsDigital health editorPupils at schools with cases of streptococcus A could get preventative antibiotics after nine children died from infections linked to the bacteria.Schools minister Nick Gibb said the use of antibiotics "is an option" and the issue had been raised in the House of Lords on Monday.The authorities are

Image source, Family pictureImage caption, Stella-Lily McCorkindale's school said she was a bright and talented little girlBy Marie-Louise Connolly and Niall GlynnBBC News NI A five-year-old girl has died from an illness linked to the bacterial infection strep A in Belfast.Stella-Lily McCorkindale became severely ill last week and was treated at the Royal Belfast Hospital

Image source, Jessica Taylor/UK ParliamentImage caption, Angela Rayner has been critical of how contracts were awarded during the pandemicThe "VIP lane" to fast track companies recommended by MPs and peers for Covid contracts was a "scandal of epic proportions", Labour has said.Deputy leader Angela Rayner said it "allowed the shameful waste of taxpayers' money and

Image caption, Strep A symptoms can look similar to cold and flu symptoms at firstA mother is warning other parents to be aware of the symptoms of Strep A infections after both her daughters came down with the disease.Joanne Jones, from Llandudno, Conwy county, initially thought her daughter had a chest infection."If something doesn't seem

Image caption, The head of Morelands Primary School said the community was devastated by the lossBy Michelle RobertsDigital health editorAn eighth child has died from a severe strep A bacterial infection, it has been confirmed.Morelands Primary, in Waterlooville, Hampshire, said it was "absolutely devastated" by the loss of one of its pupils.Such deaths are rare

Media caption, A doctor has warned parents to look out for Strep A symptomsThe parents of a girl who died from Strep A say they have been left traumatised by her death.Seven-year-old Hanna Roap, from Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, died from invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS), or Strep A.Her father Hasan described her as

Media caption, Dean Burns, whose daughter Camila has Strep A, urged parents to get their children checked if they have concernsBy Thomas Mackintosh & Adam DurbinBBC NewsThe father of a four-year-old girl left fighting for her life in hospital after contracting Strep A has said they are "hoping and praying for a miracle".Camila Rose Burns