Anna Bawden

A walk-in cervical screening service operating from Living Well buses in north-west England is helping women overcome barriers such as inconvenient GP appointments, anxiety, travel and lack of privacy. Since launching in 2024, the service has screened more than 2,700 women, including many who had never been screened or were overdue. The expansion comes as screening and HPV vaccination rates in England remain below international targets, with self-sampling home HPV kits due to be introduced later in the year. Experts say mobile clinics, home testing, sustained investment and better awareness are all needed to eliminate cervical cancer.

NICE has issued draft guidance recommending a four-year NHS evaluation of the XVIVO perfusion system, which keeps donated lungs at body temperature, ventilated and supplied with a plasma-like fluid for up to six hours. The technology could make usable as many as four in five lungs currently discarded, potentially adding hundreds of organs to the transplant supply. The proposal comes as 170 UK patients await lung transplants, with many waiting a year or more and some dying before a suitable organ is found. Asthma + Lung UK welcomed the development but called for sustained political and research focus, while transplant specialists stressed the need for robust evidence on its effect on transplant activity and patient access.

More than 16 million people in England and Wales live over a kilometre from a 24/7 accessible defibrillator, putting them at heightened risk during cardiac arrest emergencies. Research from the Heart Restart campaign found that over half of residents in most local authority areas are beyond the recommended three‑ to five‑minute reach, with significant regional disparities including large gaps in Harlow, Birmingham and several major cities. The British Heart Foundation launched a programme to distribute 400 new community defibrillators, while medical experts and campaigners stressed that delayed access sharply reduces survival odds. Critics urged the government to scrap VAT on defibrillator equipment to make installations more affordable and ensure equitable access across communities.

An eight-week randomized controlled trial by researchers at the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Trust found that 121 young adults with mild to moderate depression and anxiety who took salsa classes experienced greater reductions in depressive symptoms and social anxiety, along with increased daily happiness, than a control group. Lead author Brennan Delattre said salsa's structured, social and playful format may make interaction more manageable, but stressed that the evidence is not yet strong enough to support prescribing it as a stand-alone treatment. Experts said the findings add to growing evidence that accessible community activities can support mental health, while emphasizing that further trials are needed and salsa will not suit everyone.

Nearly 4,000 academic jobs in social sciences, humanities and the arts were cut in 2024, with losses concentrated in non-Russell Group universities, limiting access to subjects such as languages, classics and theology. The British Academy warns that financial pressures are creating regional education cold spots and exacerbating social inequality, while cuts have begun affecting traditionally popular courses including business studies, law and English. Representatives from academia and former policymakers argue that the reductions threaten social mobility, economic skills pipelines and the long-term viability of universities. With further job losses proposed, university leaders and unions urge the new government to intervene, while the Department for Education maintains it is working to stabilise university finances.

Research presented at a European neuroscience conference indicates that speaking multiple languages is associated with slower brain ageing, with greater proficiency and earlier acquisition linked to stronger effects. Scans of multilingual individuals showed younger-appearing brain connectivity compared with monolinguals. Scientists note that lifestyle or other factors may also influence brain health, while experts highlight the cognitive, social and cultural benefits of language learning and encourage lifelong engagement.

England’s NHS trusts will be rated on how effectively they address racism, violence, sexual misconduct and other workforce wellbeing issues, with results contributing to overall performance scores for the first time. New standards will apply to acute, ambulance and mental health trusts and focus on six key areas, including violence prevention, sexual safety and flexible working. The move follows survey findings showing widespread abuse of NHS staff. Healthcare leaders welcomed the measures but warned that meaningful improvements require strong enforcement and safe reporting systems.

Cuts to university and school language courses in the UK are raising concerns among former education ministers and experts who warn that reduced access threatens social mobility, particularly for working‑class students. Staff redundancies at the University of Exeter and proposals by the University of Nottingham to end language degrees come amid financial pressures and declining exam entries. Analysis shows that language degrees often have lower entry requirements and less competition, offering a potential pathway into elite universities for disadvantaged pupils. Experts argue that removing these courses limits career opportunities and worsens existing inequalities, while government officials note universities’ autonomy and highlight incentives to support language teaching.

New NHS draft guidelines recommend investigating up to 4 million women and others with irregular periods for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, citing underdiagnosis and inconsistent management. The recommendations include hormone tests, possible ultrasounds, annual reviews, and consideration of heightened risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. NICE advises against offering laser or light therapies for excess hair growth due to cost-effectiveness concerns and reaffirms IVF eligibility for patients meeting existing criteria. Experts welcome the proposals, highlighting the benefits of earlier diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and addressing disparities in care, with final guidance expected in December 2026.

More than 80% of Australian adolescents under 16 continued using social media three months after a national ban took effect, according to University of Newcastle research published in the BMJ. Inadequate age‑verification checks and widespread circumvention, including fake accounts and VPN use, contributed to limited impact on usage levels. Experts warn that bans alone are insufficient to protect young people from harmful online content and call for more comprehensive strategies. The findings are influencing debates in the UK as it prepares to introduce its own ban, with campaigners and officials stressing the need for stronger safeguards and a broader approach to improving youth wellbeing.

A large UK analysis shows that early HPV vaccination reduces the risk of dying from cervical cancer before age 30 to nearly zero and has already prevented close to 200 deaths. Researchers report steep declines in mortality among vaccinated cohorts, with no deaths recorded in women aged 20 to 24 between 2020 and 2024. Experts warn that falling vaccination rates since the pandemic threaten future progress, potentially leading to hundreds of avoidable deaths. Health leaders call for urgent efforts to raise vaccine uptake through targeted outreach, expanded access and improved screening to meet national and global elimination targets.

The UK approved Wegovy weight-loss pills, making it the first country in Europe to authorise the GLP-1 tablet form and allowing eligible patients to obtain it privately before potential NHS approval by Nice. The medication, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is intended for adults who are obese or overweight with related health conditions, with trials showing significant weight loss. Experts welcomed the increased treatment options but emphasized side effects, proper use, and the need for broader obesity-prevention measures. Demand is expected to be high as pills may offer a more convenient alternative to injections.

A phase 3 trial of the triple‑action diabetes drug retatrutide showed significant reductions in blood sugar and body weight among adults with type 2 diabetes, outperforming placebo in HbA1c reduction and weight loss. The drug targets GLP‑1, GIP and glucagon receptors, increasing energy expenditure beyond existing treatments. Most side‑effects were mild, though a small number of serious adverse events occurred. Experts described the results as encouraging but stressed the need for further trials, long‑term safety data, and comparisons with existing therapies, alongside broader efforts to prevent diabetes and support healthy outcomes during treatment.

A physician associate wrongly prescribed a vaginal pessary to a five-year-old girl, causing severe pain and trauma, according to the UK health ombudsman, which found multiple failures in supervision and communication at the GP practice and pharmacy. The incident led to unnecessary safeguarding concerns and significant distress for the family. The ombudsman ordered compensation and corrective measures, while medical organisations highlighted broader issues of inadequate oversight of physician associates. Government health officials said they are implementing recommendations from the Leng Review to improve patient safety.

NHS England approved Elahere, the first new treatment in more than two decades for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, offering an alternative for patients whose tumours no longer respond to chemotherapy. Clinical trials showed the drug delays disease progression and extends survival while producing fewer side-effects. AbbVie’s therapy targets tumours containing the FRα protein and could benefit up to 400 women annually in England. Medical experts, patient groups and Nice leaders welcomed the decision as a major advance that improves quality of life and provides renewed hope for affected women.

A large US study found that using GLP-1 weight‑loss medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide for at least three years significantly reduced the likelihood of knee replacement surgery among patients with knee osteoarthritis, with risk reductions of up to five percentage points over eight years. Researchers estimate that widespread use among eligible patients could prevent thousands of knee replacements annually in the US and the UK. Experts note potential anti‑inflammatory effects but warn the drugs are not approved for osteoarthritis treatment and should not be used for this purpose outside clinical trials. Maintaining a healthy weight remains a key factor in managing knee osteoarthritis.

Experts suggest widespread use of GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs may shift cultural and artistic ideals toward thinner, more hollow-faced aesthetics, contrasting with historical portrayals of higher‑BMI bodies as symbols of beauty and status. Researchers argue these medications could influence future artistic representation, though some art historians caution against retroactive medical interpretations and emphasize that portraits reflect more than physical health. The discussion highlights evolving beauty standards shaped by medical advances, consumer culture and changing societal attitudes toward body image.

Analysis of data from more than 17,000 UK adults shows that those with the lowest fitness levels need 30 to 50 minutes more weekly exercise than the fittest individuals to achieve comparable reductions in cardiovascular risk. Meeting the standard 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous weekly activity was linked with an 8–9% lower risk, while optimal protection required substantially higher volumes. Experts cautioned against interpreting recommendations exceeding nine hours of activity per week as practical guidance, emphasising instead the continued aim of achieving at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise.

Experts convened by the World Health Organization urged declaring the climate crisis a public health emergency to prompt coordinated global action and prevent millions of avoidable deaths. Their report cites rising vector‑borne diseases, extreme weather, pollution, and food insecurity as escalating health threats. The commission criticized extensive European fossil fuel subsidies and called for stronger climate‑health strategies, misinformation countermeasures, and more resilient healthcare systems. WHO officials and scientists endorsed the recommendations, emphasizing the health, security, and moral imperatives for urgent action.

Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity indicates that daily cold exposure, through ice vests or cold showers, may support weight loss by activating brown fat and increasing calorie burning. In a six‑week study, participants using cooling vests lost nearly 1kg of mostly body fat, while the control group gained weight. Scientists from Leiden University Medical Center and the University of Nottingham suggest that regular cold exposure could serve as a simple, low‑cost addition to lifestyle strategies and may also influence lipids, glucose and inflammation. Further trials are under way to assess whether cold showers or swimming generate similar effects.

A UK study of patients receiving GLP-1 weight-loss injections found sickness absences fell by nearly half and long-term absences by more than 50%, with significant reductions in GP appointments and A&E visits. Expanding access to the 3.4 million eligible adults in England could free up almost 10 million GP appointments annually and save the NHS an estimated £364m. Experts argue broader use of anti-obesity medication would boost productivity and reduce pressure on healthcare services. Additional research from Denmark suggests the drugs may also benefit asthma and migraine patients.

A Swedish study of more than 600,000 adults found that both higher initial weight in early adulthood and weight gained later in life significantly increase the risk of several cancers, with no age shown to be safe for weight gain. Early-onset obesity dramatically elevated risks for liver, pancreatic, kidney, colon, endometrial, and brain cancers, while weight gain after age 30 affected men and women differently. Those gaining the most weight had notably higher risks across multiple cancer types. Researchers emphasized maintaining stable weight throughout adulthood, while Cancer Research UK highlighted the need for government policies to support healthier environments.

Researchers found that lift capacity standards across the UK and Europe have not kept pace with rising adult body weights, creating potential safety risks and contributing to accessibility challenges for people with obesity. Analysis of lifts manufactured from 1972 to 2024 showed weight assumptions have remained static since the early 2000s, despite increases in average body size. Experts warn that outdated design standards can cause operational issues, reinforce stigma and exclude larger-bodied individuals, calling for modernised infrastructure that reflects current population needs.

Trial data show that patients who switch from injectable GLP‑1 drugs to the oral medication orforglipron retain a significantly larger share of their previous weight loss than those given a placebo. The study of 376 US patients previously treated with tirzepatide or semaglutide found weight‑loss maintenance rates of up to 80 percent, along with sustained improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Experts note the potential for cheaper oral drugs to reduce long‑term reliance on costly injectables and expand obesity‑treatment options, though further research is needed.

More than 6,000 children have been treated at specialist NHS obesity clinics in England since 2021, including hundreds as young as four. Newly released NHS England data show many children arrive with serious related conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, liver disease and mental health issues. Research presented to the European Congress on Obesity highlights high rates of neurodivergence among patients. Experts urge action to restrict junk food availability and make healthy food more affordable. NHS officials report that children treated in specialist clinics show significantly better weight outcomes than those seen only in general practice, underscoring the role of early intervention amid rising childhood obesity rates.

Outdoor education providers, educators and public figures urge the UK government to allow residential school trips to resume in the summer term, arguing the pandemic has severely harmed children’s wellbeing and pushed the sector toward financial collapse. A letter to the prime minister warns that continued restrictions could lead to further closures, job losses and long‑term loss of opportunities for disadvantaged children. Sector leaders cite strict Covid‑secure measures and alignment with hotel reopening plans, requesting permission to reopen from 17 May and calling for financial support to stabilize the industry. The government states it continues to review guidance in line with public health advice.