Number of deaths in England and Wales hits 12-year high

Public Health England says less effective flu vaccine may have contributed to largest percentage rise in deaths since 1968

The sugar tax is a great idea. Why not go after processed foods too?

At long last, there is a plan to improve children’s health, but it must be the start of a more widespread campaign

Benefit cuts threaten independent living for thousands of disabled people

Budget announcements by George Osborne set to be ‘last straw’ for many who fear heavy impact from tighter assessments and benefit cuts

Childhood obesity strategy delayed further, government admits

Campaigners say delay in publication is ‘unforgivable’ and fear tax on sugary drinks will be rejected

How paying for your treatment would help save the NHS

‘Free at the point of use’ has had its day. Other European countries use health insurance without the poor suffering, so why can’t we?

Unilever boss warns UK against sugar tax

Paul Polman says the tax is ‘not the holy grail’ and there is little evidence around the world such a levy can actually tackle Britain’s obesity crisis

This is the NHS: a day in the life of the UK’s busiest maternity centre

For the next month, the Guardian is telling the story of one of the most complex organisations in the world, through the voices of those on the frontline. On Thursday, we reported live from Liverpool Women’s hospital

Cuts to sexual health services will lead to STI ‘explosion’, warn experts

Labour analysis predicts £40m less will be spent on testing and treating infection in 2016 despite rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis soaring

Welsh government amends plans for e-cigarette ban

Instead of wide-ranging prohibition, Labour in Wales now seeks controversial vaping restrictions in places where there is potential risk to children

The junior doctors’ strike is off: so who won? – cartoon

After the compromise comes the spin, and even without industrial action, the government can still claim there’s chaos