Westcountry Health News

stethoscope round neck

Doctors on strike

As doctors in the Westcountry take part in industrial action, we hear why they've taken this step and what effect it will have on patients

Live updates

Doctors to strike in row over pensions

It's the first time doctors have taken strike action in almost 40 years Credit: Hugh Macknight/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Doctors across the region are expected to strike today in a row with the government over increases to pension contributions and later retirement ages.

The action has been organised by the British Medical Association and will affect all non-urgent work like outpatient appointments, but doctors will still see patients who are ill. Most doctors will be taking industrial action for the first time, with the last dispute almost 40 years ago.

Men At Risk: Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men Credit: ITV Westcountry

In the third part of her series about men's health, our health correspondent Rebecca Broxton looks at prostate cancer, which affects around one in nine males.

View the full report here.

Study into effect of cannabis on MS

Scientists at Plymouth University say cannabis has no effect in halting progressive multiple sclerosis. But they say it may have some benefit for people with less serious MS.

Experts studied 500 people with MS over an eight-year period. Some were given capsules containing the active ingredient in cannabis, while others were given placebos.

ms patient and expert
500 multiple sclerosis sufferers took part in the study Credit: ITV Westcountry
Load more articles