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Covid inquiry: Lockdown could have been avoided and other key findings
Nick Triggle, Jim Reed, Dom Hughes and Michelle Roberts Getty Images The long-awaited independent report into how well or badly the government handled the Covid pandemic has been published. Chairwoman of the inquiry, former judge Baroness Hallett, said the UK’s response could be summarised as “too little, too late”. The report looks at whether lockdowns…
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Trans people could be barred from services based on appearance
Alison Holt,Social affairs editor, Ewan Somerville and Kate Whannel,Political reporter Getty Images Trans people could be asked about whether they should be accessing single-sex services based on their physical appearance or behaviour, proposed new guidance seen by the BBC has said. A code of practice, produced by the equalities watchdog and awaiting ministerial approval, says…
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Ultra-processed food is global health threat, experts warn
Action is needed now to reduce ultra-processed food (UPF) in diets worldwide because of their threat to health, say international experts in a global review of research. They say the way we eat is changing – with a move away from fresh, whole foods to cheap, highly-processed meals – which is increasing our risk of…
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Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment wait ‘traumatic’ for women, GP says
Marie-Louise ConnollyHealth correspondent, BBC News NI Dr Jilly O’Hagan says patients are facing traumatic waits for diagnosis and treatment A County Antrim GP has said she is “hugely concerned” for women who need breast cancer treatment in Northern Ireland after three patients in her surgery received late cancer diagnoses. The patients are among 32 women…
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Catherine’s first speech in two years calls for dignity for carers
The Princess of Wales has called for more dignity for carers and a greater respect for values such as “tenderness” in business, in her first public speech in two years. At an event in the City of London, Catherine called on 80 top business leaders to play their part in ensuring employees can have healthy…
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Hundreds of hospice beds unused amid financial crisis
Some 380 hospice beds out of around 2,000 lie empty in England because of financial pressures, say bosses. Hospice UK has told BBC News this is up from 300 a year ago and illustrates the severe challenges facing the sector. Beds are left empty to save money – since staffing and caring is costly –…
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John Whaite: Strictly contestant and Bake Off winner reveals steroid addiction
Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporter Shutterstock/ITV TV chef John Whaite has revealed his five-year addiction to steroids “made me want to end my life”. The 36-year-old is best known for winning The Great British Bake Off in 2012, and came second as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. In an emotional video posted on Instagram,…
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Female athletes say sports bra cost is barrier to participation
Jessica LaneEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire BBC Rosie Halsall, 18, wants to make free sports bras and fitting available in secondary schools A former Team GB roller derby skater says the cost of sports bras is discouraging younger females taking part in physical activity. Rosie Halsall, 18, from Sheffield, is campaigning for free sports bras and…
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Hartlepool woman had ‘agonising’ hysteroscopy without consent
Tom BurgessNorth East and Cumbria BBC The University Hospital of Hartlepool said improvements had been made after Dawn Lord’s complaint A woman who did not give informed consent for a hysteroscopy has described the procedure as “agonising”. Dawn Lord, 51, believed she was attending an appointment at the University Hospital of Hartlepool to discuss future…
