A groundbreaking gene therapy trial has shown promising results in improving vision for children born with severe childhood blindness. Conducted at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, the experimental treatment significantly improved sight for four toddlers previously registered as legally blind. The condition, caused by a rare genetic mutation, leads to rapid vision loss from birth. Before treatment, the children could only distinguish between light and dark, but following the procedure, their vision noticeably improved.

The therapy involves injecting healthy copies of a defective gene into the eye, preserving and enhancing retinal function. Developed by scientists at University College London and administered at Great Ormond Street Hospital, the procedure was carried out under a special licence allowing experimental treatment where no alternatives exist. Unlike standard trials, this approach focused on compassionate use, ensuring children at risk of total blindness received treatment.

Assessments show all four children demonstrated better visual responses than expected. Doctors reported compelling evidence of effectiveness, with vision in treated eyes improving while untreated eyes continued to deteriorate. The treatment could improve development and social interaction for affected children.

Experts believe this marks a major advancement in gene therapy for inherited blindness. With further research, the approach could target other genetic eye conditions. Long-term monitoring will determine lasting benefits, but early results suggest life-changing potential.

Hospitals in England are dealing with an unprecedented rise in Norovirus cases, with over 1,160 patients requiring care each day last week. This is double the number seen at the same time last year and marks the highest level since records began in 2012. The sharp 22% increase from the previous week means more than 1% of all hospital beds are now occupied by patients suffering from the highly contagious virus. Managing the outbreak has put additional strain on NHS services, as infected wards require thorough cleaning and isolation measures, leading to nearly 300 beds being taken out of use daily.

Despite the surge in Norovirus cases, flu-related hospital admissions are declining, with just over 1,700 patients needing treatment for the virus. However, health officials remain concerned about the growing impact of Norovirus, which is known for spreading easily and rapidly. The illness, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and young children. NHS England has urged people to take precautions, such as frequent handwashing with soap and avoiding close contact with others until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

Norovirus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated food, or surfaces where the virus lingers. Given its resilience, standard disinfectants and alcohol-based hand gels are often ineffective. Hospitals are likely seeing some patients who contracted the illness while already receiving care, further complicating efforts to control its spread.

Health experts advise anyone experiencing symptoms to stay at home, rest, and stay hydrated. Returning to work or school too soon can contribute to further transmission. Medical advice should be sought if symptoms persist beyond a few days or if a child struggles to keep fluids down.

The government says it has fulfilled a key election pledge to provide two million extra NHS appointments in England within its first year. Officials report that between July and November last year, nearly 2.2 million more elective care appointments took place compared to the same period in 2023, despite doctors’ strikes limiting availability. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called it a "milestone" in efforts to restore the NHS, while NHS England chief Amanda Pritchard acknowledged more work was needed to cut delays.

Expanding NHS services was central to Labour’s manifesto, with additional evening and weekend sessions helping meet the target. Elective care includes planned procedures such as diagnostic tests, scans, surgeries, and cancer care. Government data shows 31.3 million procedures, tests, and consultations took place between July and November 2024, compared to 29.1 million a year earlier, when strikes disrupted services. Ministers claim they achieved the target seven months early, though further scrutiny will follow in July 2025.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting insists the NHS is "on the road to recovery," pointing to a drop in waiting lists by 160,000 since Labour took office. However, A&E services continue to struggle, with only 73% of patients seen within four hours in January. Over 160,000 faced long delays, many waiting on chairs or trolleys.

Despite progress, concerns remain about inefficiencies in the NHS. A King’s Fund report highlights systemic issues, with one in five surveyed receiving appointment letters late and nearly a quarter unsure who to contact while waiting for care. Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Helen Morgan warned that without urgent social care reform, hospitals will remain overwhelmed, and patients will continue to suffer long delays.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that boys born in the UK in 2023 can expect to live an average of 86.7 years, while girls are predicted to reach 90 years. The latest projections indicate that life expectancy continues to improve for both men and women, following long-term trends of increasing longevity. A key factor contributing to this is a shift in healthier lifestyles, particularly among men, as well as advancements in medical care.

Interestingly, predictions suggest that more than 10% of boys and 16% of girls born in 2023 could live to 100 years or beyond. Looking further ahead, the ONS estimates that by 2047, one in four baby girls and nearly one in five baby boys could reach their centenary. By this time, average life expectancy at birth is expected to rise to 89.3 years for men and 92.2 years for women, though these figures may fluctuate due to various societal and healthcare developments.

For those reaching retirement age, men who turned 65 in 2023 are projected to live an additional 19.8 years, while women of the same age can expect another 22.5 years on average. By 2047, these figures could increase to 21.8 more years for men and 24.4 more years for women, reflecting continued progress in healthcare and overall quality of life.

The gap in life expectancy between men and women has been steadily narrowing over the years. This trend is largely attributed to reduced smoking rates, improved working conditions for men, and better prevention and treatment of conditions like heart disease. According to the ONS, this difference is expected to shrink further, potentially dropping to just 2.5 years by 2072.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed the first case of the Clade 1 mpox variant in the Republic of Ireland. The infected individual, an Irish resident, recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the more contagious strain has been spreading. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was classified as a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) last August. Despite the detection of this case, the HSE has assured the public that the overall risk remains low.

The patient is currently receiving specialist medical care in a Dublin hospital. The HSE emphasised that those who have had two doses of the mpox vaccine or a previous infection are likely to be protected against severe illness from this newer strain. Dr Éamonn O’Moore, Director of National Health Protection, stated that health authorities have been closely monitoring the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are fully prepared to respond.

Mpox is caused by a virus related to smallpox but is generally less severe. It spreads through direct skin contact, bodily fluids, contaminated materials such as bedding, and prolonged face-to-face interactions. Symptoms typically include flu-like illness, followed by a rash that can develop into painful, pus-filled lesions lasting several weeks. While most cases resolve within 14 to 21 days, the virus can be life-threatening for vulnerable groups, including young children.

The Clade 1 strain is considered more severe than Clade 2, which was responsible for the 2022 outbreak. Although Clade 2 cases in Ireland have remained low - with only eight reported in 2025 - health experts are alarmed by the rapid spread of Clade 1 across central and west Africa. The WHO has designated the outbreak as an international public health emergency, with millions of vaccine doses being distributed to affected regions. Several countries, including Sweden, Germany, India, Thailand, Canada, and the US, have detected Clade 1b cases.

Hospitals across England have experienced their busiest week of the winter so far, with more than 98,000 patients occupying beds daily. Adult bed occupancy has reached a staggering 96%, highlighting the immense strain on the NHS. While flu cases have continued to decline since their peak in January, norovirus infections are rising rapidly, with nearly 1,000 hospital beds currently taken up by those suffering from the contagious vomiting bug. Meanwhile, the number of medically fit patients unable to be discharged has reached its highest level this winter, with nearly 13,800 individuals remaining in hospital.

Prof Julian Redhead, NHS England’s emergency-care director, emphasised that the combination of seasonal illnesses and delays in patient discharge is pushing hospitals close to capacity. Despite efforts to expand bed availability, pressures remain severe. He urged the public to seek NHS assistance appropriately using 111 for non-urgent medical support and reserving 999 and A&E visits for serious emergencies only.

With hospitals overwhelmed, reports have emerged of patients facing extended A&E wait times and ambulances queuing outside. NHS Providers’ Saffron Cordery acknowledged the extreme challenges faced by healthcare staff, praising their dedication to maintaining patient care despite mounting difficulties.

Amy Douglas from the UK Health Security Agency warned that norovirus levels are unusually high and advised strict hygiene measures. She reminded the public that reinfection is possible and urged those with symptoms to avoid work, school, and visiting vulnerable individuals for at least 48 hours after recovery.

A revolutionary gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease, priced at £1.65m, is set to be made available on the NHS in England. The therapy, known as Casgevy or Exa-cel, is expected to benefit approximately 50 patients each year. Experts have hailed it as a significant breakthrough, with NHS England’s Prof Bola Owolabi describing it as a “monumental step forward” and offering the potential for a cure.

Sickle cell disease, a life-threatening condition that affects around 15,000 people in England, is caused by faulty haemoglobin, which leads to misshapen red blood cells. These cells block blood vessels, causing pain and reducing oxygen flow to vital organs. The new gene therapy, which involves editing a specific gene to increase the production of healthy red blood cells, has shown promising results in clinical trials. Patients who received the treatment avoided hospital stays for up to three and a half years.

NHS CEO Amanda Pritchard called the treatment “transformative,” offering patients relief from the chronic pain and fear of sickle cell crises. The therapy is available in specialist centres in London, Manchester, and Birmingham for patients aged 12 and over who have recurrent crises and cannot find a suitable stem cell donor.

While campaigners and patients alike have welcomed the move, there are still concerns about ensuring all individuals with sickle cell disease have access to necessary treatments and support.

A new daily treatment for those suffering from severe dust mite allergies is set to change lives, with a recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The tablet, called Acarizax, has shown significant promise in reducing allergy symptoms and is expected to help thousands of people in the UK. The drug has been hailed as an effective solution for those whose symptoms are not adequately managed by standard treatments like antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays.

Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, a GP in Bournemouth and expert in allergies, emphasized that the clinical evidence strongly supports Acarizax as a successful treatment for those battling symptoms such as fatigue, congestion, and facial swelling. This new therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals aged 12 to 65, who suffer from moderate-to-severe house dust mite allergic rhinitis.

Acarizax works by boosting the body’s resistance to dust mites, offering long-term relief. NICE’s review of clinical trials confirmed its effectiveness, particularly for those who haven’t responded to conventional treatments. The medicine will be available through the NHS in England, providing hope for many who have struggled with chronic, debilitating symptoms.

Experts, including Amena Warner from Allergy UK, also highlighted the convenience of this home-based treatment. With initial specialist consultation, patients can manage their treatment without frequent hospital visits, saving both time and money.