Julie Powell

Need to collect a prescription or get advice about a minor health niggle? Here's why finding a pharmacy is an increasing challenge...

Had problems seeing your GP in person? Here’s what you can expect.

We’re finding it easier to talk about many difficult subjects, but embarrassment and lack of knowledge still cost lives, especially when it comes to female cancers. Let’s break that taboo. Learn the facts and warning signs, then share this information with all the women you know.Breast cancerWarning signsMany symptoms won’t turn out to be cancer, but make a habit of regularly checking your breasts, including your upper chest and armpits, and see your GP if you notice any unusual changes. Checkin…

Who knew walking could be a thrill-a-minute adventure? But at chilly first light, I am about to set off on an 8km stroll from bush camp to bush camp through Zambia’s stunning South Luangwa National Park. Reached by light aircraft and a bumpy one and a half hour drive, it’s one of the few remaining truly wild places on earth, and home to lions, leopards, wild dog packs, raucous hippo pods, elephant and buffalo herds, lurking crocodiles, unique subspecies of zebra and giraffe, skittish impala,…

The NHS has introduced ratings and public outcome data for surgeons in the UK – would you want to know your surgeon’s ‘success rate’? We’ve got used to feedback and reviews for hotels and restaurants – but consultants? Now a new online site, My NHS, will allow patients to check up on the person doing their op. The consultant outcome data shows the results of around 5,000 consultants – including how many times they have performed a particular surgical procedure, and complication, mortality and re…

It might be Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, but how much do you know about this deadly female cancer? We debunk four common myths: 1. There aren’t any symptoms Wrong, there are four. Yes, that’s right: four. ‘Ovarian cancer used to be known as the silent killer. However, there are four clear symptoms which all women and GPs should be aware of,’ explains Professor Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre at Imperial College London. ’At first, these symptoms may seem vague…