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Other reports

A selection of other publications and reports linked to the Chief Medical Officer. The reports are grouped according to whether they are CMO reports, DH reports, or external reports.

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Chief Medical Officer Reports

Report of the High Level Group (HLG) on Clinical Effectiveness

Variation in clinical practice across the NHS, and in the treatments that patients receive, was the focus of a chapter in the Chief Medical Officer’s 2005 Annual Report. This report is from the High Level Group which was set up by the CMO to consider the scope for improving clinical effectiveness in the NHS, and to make recommendations for future action. [Published: 23 October 2007]

Report of the independent expert working group on the prevention of venous thromboembolism in hospitalised patients

The Chief Medical Officer was asked to establish an expert working group to look at prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalised patients. The group looked at how current best practice and guidance could be promoted and implemented. This report includes the group’s findings and recommendations. [Published: 19 April 2007]

Health is global: Proposals for a UK Government-wide strategy

The Chief Medical Officer has produced a report to address the issue of global health. It provides a framework for discussion on current global health priorities and highlights some of the issues that must be discussed. [Published 7 March 2007]

Bearing Good Witness: Proposals for reforming the delivery of medical expert evidence in family law cases

The Chief Medical Officer's report Bearing Good Witness: Proposals for reforming the delivery of medical expert evidence in family law cases was launched for a period of public consultation, from 30th October 2006 to 28th February 2007.

On the state of the public health: Annual report of the Chief Medical Officer 2005

The Chief Medical Officer's Annual Report 2005 highlights the health challenges that face us in the UK, and details the progress that has been made in key action areas that were identified in the Annual Report 2004.

Good doctors, safer patients

The Chief Medical Officer was asked to undertake a broad review of medical regulation. The resulting report, Good doctors, safer patients, advises Ministers on measures to strengthen the arrangements in place for the protection of patients. It contains 44 detailed recommendations. Proposed changes include devolving some of the powers of the GMC to a local level, changing its structure and function, and creating a new framework for revalidation.

Explaining pandemic flu

Outbreaks of avian or bird flu have caused public concern about the possibility of a human flu pandemic. In October 2005, UK health departments issued an updated contingency plan for pandemic flu. The Chief Medical Officer also published an updated explanatory guide for health professionals and the public explaining the plan, the nature of the threat and its likely impact on the UK. [Published: 19 October 2005]

An investigation into the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Bpas) response to requests for late abortions

The Chief Medical Officer was asked by the Secretary of State for Health, to investigate the handling of late abortion cases by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS). His report makes a number of best practice recommendations for dealing with late gestation abortion cases and improving early access to services. [Published: 21 September 2005]

Expert Group on the Regulation of Cosmetic Surgery: Report to the Chief Medical Officer

The Report of the Expert Group on the Regulation of Cosmetic Surgery advises and makes recommendations to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on whether or not the current system of regulation for cosmetic surgery is sufficient to ensure patient safety. [Published: 28 January 2005]

Stopping tuberculosis in England: An action plan from the Chief Medical Officer

In this action plan on TB, the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, announces new measures to tackle the rise of tuberculosis in Britain, a serious but treatable infectious disease. [Published: 7 October 2004]

West Nile virus: A contingency plan to protect the public's health

The Chief Medical Officer published this contingency plan to prevent and control the mosquito-borne disease West Nile virus. The plan defines the roles and responsibilities of parties involved in tackling the disease and presents a strategy for limiting the impact of the virus. [Published: 31 May 2004]

At least five a week: Evidence on the impact of physical activity and its relationship to health

This landmark report on physical activity from the Chief Medical Officer, issues a stark warning about the health risks associated with Britain's 'couch potato' culture. Physical activity reduces the risk of developing major chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The report calls for a change in attitude toward active lifestyles, and suggests targets for weekly excercise. [Published: 29 April 2004]

Towards excellence in assessment in medicine: a commitment to a set of guiding principles

The Chief Medical Officer has written to a number of organisations with a remit or interest in education and assessment in medicine, seeking their views on a Guiding Principles document drawn up by him after discussion with a small number of key stakeholders. [Published: 17 December 2003]

Winning ways: working together to reduce healthcare associated infection in England

This report from the Chief Medical Officer, provides direction to the local NHS on the action necessary to reduce the relatively high levels of certain healthcare associated infections, and to curb the proliferation of antibiotic resistant organisms. [5 December 2003]

Making amends: a consultation paper setting out proposals for reforming the approach to clinical negligence in the NHS

This consultation paper from the Chief Medical Officer sets out proposals for reforming the approach to clinical negligence in the NHS, to ensure that the emphasis of the NHS is directed at preventing harm, reducing risks and ensuring safety. [Published: 1 July 2003]

The withdrawal of an oral polio vaccine: analysis of events and implications

This report by the Chief Medical Officer was prepared for, and at the request of, the Secretary of State for Health to examine the circumstances leading to the withdrawal in October 2000 of an oral polio vaccine, and to make recommendations on the wider issues raised by these events. [Published: 5 July 2002]

Getting ahead of the curve: a strategy for combating infectious diseases

This report from the Chief Medical Officer sets out an infectious diseases strategy for England. It aims to describe the scope of the threat posed by infectious diseases, as well as establishing the priorities for action to combat the threat. [Published: 10 January 2002]

The expert patient: a new approach to chronic disease management for the 21st century

This report from the Chief Medical Officer draws on both research and practical experience in North America and Britain that demonstrates how patients with chronic diseases can benefit from becoming key decision-makers in their own treatment process. [Published: 14 September 2001]

A commitment to quality, a quest for excellence: a statement on behalf of the Government, the medical profession and the NHS

In their everyday lives people have the right to expect services which are responsive to their needs, which are delivered to a consistently high standard, which treat them with respect and which provide them with good information. In this regard health care should be no different to other services provided in a modern society. [Published: 27 June 2001]

Building a safer NHS for patients: implementing an organisation with a memory

Following the publication of 'An organisation with a memory' and the NHS Plan, this report from an expert group on learning from adverse events in the NHS, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, sets out the Government's plans for promoting patient safety. [Published: 17 April 2001]

Report of the Chief Medical Officer's Project to Strengthen the Public Health Function

This report sets out a framework for strengthening the public health function of the Government's health strategy, and is a key component of impementing the NHS Plan. It is the final report from the Chief Medical Officer's Project to Strengthen the Public Health Function in England. [Published: 28 March 2001]

The removal, retention and use of human organs and tissue from post-mortem examination: advice from the Chief Medical Officer

Following revelations that children's hearts had been retained after post-mortem examinations at two hospitals, a report was carried out by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, to record the nature and scope of current and past practice. [Published: 30 January 2001]

Report of a census of organs and tissues retained by pathology services in England

Following the concern over the retention of children's organs at certain hospitals, a census of organs, body parts and tissues held by all NHS pathology services was conducted by the Chief Medical Officer, reflecting the position at the end of 1999. [Published: 30 January 2001]

Harold Shipman's clinical practice 1974-1998: a clinical audit commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer

In January 2000, Dr Harold Shipman was found guilty of murdering 15 of his patients. This review describes how an audit of death certificates, patient records and cremation forms completed by Shipman was conducted in order to investigate patterns of death and the prescription of restricted drugs among his patients. [Published: 5 January 2001]

Stem cell research: medical progress with responsibility

This report from the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group, reviews the potential of developments in stem cell research to benefit human health. [Published: 16 August 2000]

An organisation with a memory

The report of an expert group on learning from adverse events in the NHS, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, makes recommendations designed to ensure that lessons from the past are used to reduce the risk to patients in the future. [Published: 13 June 2000]

Bone-in beef and cattle bones: Advice to the Government from the Chief Medical Officer

In January 1999 the Chief Medical Officer advised the Government that the ban on bone-in beef and cattle bone ban should not be lifted, but that he would review the matter after six months. The Government accepted this advice and this memorandum conveys the conclusions of the further review. [Published: 30 July 1999]

Supporting doctors, protecting patients: a consultation paper

Preventing, recognising and dealing with poor clinical performance of doctors in the NHS in England. The Chief Medical Officer sets out proposals to help the small minority of doctors whose performance gives cause for concern. [Published: 1 January 1999]

Health implications of genetically modified foods

Review of and recommendations on the process involved in genetic modification of food, the areas of human health which could be affected, the safety and regulatory mechanisms which are in place and the need for further research. [Published: 1 January 1999]

Chlamydia trachomatis: summary and conclusions of the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Advisory Group

Evidence to support recommendations that screening for chlamydia should be offered to all genito-urinary medicine clinic attenders, women seeking termination of pregnancy and opportunistic screening for other groups and individuals. [Published: December 1998]

Department of Health Reports

Safety first: a report for patients, clinicians and healthcare managers

This report was commissioned by Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer, to reconsider the organisation arrangements currently in place to ensure that patient safety is at the heart of the healthcare agenda. The report makes a number of key recommendations to build on the progress already achieved in embedding patient safety in the NHS. [Published: 15 December 2006]

Memorandum of understanding: Investigating patient safety incidents involving unexpected death or serious untoward harm

The purpose of this protocol is to promote effective working relationships between the National Health Service (NHS), Association of Chief Police Officers and Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The protocol will take effect in circumstances of unexpected death or serious untoward harm requiring investigation by the police, or the police and the HSE jointly. [Published: February 2006]

Alcohol Needs Assessment Research Project (ANARP): The 2004 national alcohol needs assessment for England

The Alcohol Needs Assessment Research Project (ANARP) was commissioned by the Department of Health. The report identifies gaps in services and the regional variations in access to current treatment. Foreword written by the Chief Medical Officer. [Published: 2 November 2005]

Exercise Global Mercury: post exercise report

Exercise Global Mercury was an international exercise designed to test communications between national health agencies in the event of a possible smallpox incident. [Published: 12 November 2003]

When a patient dies: advice on developing bereavement services in the NHS

This document has been developed for the NHS to provide advice on the basic principles and elements considered necessary in developing bereavement services locally. The advice also describes actual experiences and practical solutions already in place in some Trusts. [Published: 30 October 2005]

Isaacs report response: response to the report by Her Majesty's Inspector of Anatomy

Response to the report by Her Majesty's Inspector of Anatomy. The issues considered by the Inspector in this report arise from the particular case of Mr Cyril Isaacs, whose brain was retained without consent after a coroner's post mortem, and relate to the retention of organs after a post mortem. [Published: 15 July 2003]

Assessing the process of embedding the Expert Patients Programme in the NHS: Preliminary survey of PCT pilot sites

This report on the initial process of implementing the Expert Patients Programme in the health and social care system, highlights coverage in various communities and identifies challenges to establishing EPP around the country. [Published: 1 July 2003]

Incident arising in October 2002 from a patient with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Middlesbrough

This review was commissioned to establish the facts surrounding the incident and to identify any measures necessary to improve local procedures or strengthen national policy. [Published: 28 February 2003]

Improving services for people with epilepsy: Department of Health action plan in response to the National Clinical Audit of epilepsy-related death

An action plan to improve standards of care and support for people with epilepsy and their families. It is hoped that this will be the start of a process of improving awareness and understanding of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). [Published: 19 February 2003]

Good practice guidelines for renal dialysis/transplantation units: prevention and control of blood-borne virus infection

This guidance on the prevention and control of blood-borne virus infection contains recommendations of the working group convened by the Public Health Laboratory Service on behalf of the Department of Health. It applies primarily to renal haemodialysis units but aspects also apply to other units. [Published: 3 September 2002]

Hepatitis C strategy for England

This consultative document forms part of the implementation of the infectious disease strategy "Getting Ahead of the Curve". It includes chapters on improving prevention, services for people with hepatitis C, and actions to support change. Consultation closed in November 2002. [Published: 14 August 2002]

Government response to the CFS/ME independent Working Group's report

This is the Government's response to a report which looked at how to improve awareness and understanding of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. [Published: 16 January 2002]

NHS Plan: technical supplement on target setting for health improvement

This technical supplement to the NHS Plan provides background information on setting health outcome targets and assists in the process of setting targets at national and local level and assessing progress. [Published: 28 March 2001]

Hendra virus and nipah virus management and control

This document presents guidelines on the management and control of Hendra virus and Nipah virus, two Hazard Group 4 agents that have caused zoonotic disease in horses and pigs. The guidelines are intended to advise health care professionals who may be called upon during exposure incidents. [Published: 4 September 2000]

External Reports

Health effects of climate change in the UK 2008: an update of the Department of Health report 2001/2002

This DH-commissioned report written by a group of independent scientists, updates their earlier report on the health effects of climate change, published in 2001/2002. [Published: 12 February 2008]

Indications of Public Health in the English Regions 9: Older People

This Indications of Public Health in the English Regions report on older people aims to describe the health and quality of life of older people living in Britain. [Published: 25 January 2008]

Indications of Public Health in the English Regions: 8 - Alcohol

This new report for the Chief Medical Officer, led by the North West Public Health Observatory, provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of harmful drinking on individuals, their families and the wider community. [Published: 14 August 2007]

Indications of Public Health in the English Regions: 7 - Mental health

This report, produced by the Association of Public Health Laboratories, shows that there are strong links between social deprivation and mental ill health, with the northern regions of England and London experiencing greater levels of mental health problems than any other part of the country. [Published: 19 June 2007]

Indications of Public Health in the English Regions: 6 - Sexual Health

This report provides the first comprehensive regional comparision of sexual health in England. The report was produced jointly by the South West Public Health Observatory (SWPHO) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) Centre for Infections on behalf of the Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO), and in collaboration with other Public Health Observatories (PHOs). [Published: 20 October 2006]

Indications of Public Health in the English Regions: 5 - Child Health

The report presents 22 indicators relating to the health and well-being of children and young people. It makes a number of recommendations for future development around data collection and analysis, focussing particularly on the health and well-being of vulnerable children and children living in special circumstances. [Published: 19 October 2006]

Indications of Public Health in the English Regions: 4 - Ethnicity and Health

This report, produced by the Association of Public Health Laboratories, provides a comprehensive regional analysis of inequalities in health and health care between ethnic groups in England, and also examines workforce data by ethnic group. [Published: 25 October 2005]

Indications of Public Health in the English Regions: 3 - Lifestyle and its Impact on Health

The Association of Public Health Observatories has published this report aimed at supporting all those engaged in implementing the Public Health White Paper - and improving the health of the population - by bringing together summary information on seven risk factors and four diseases which are key causes of ill health and death in England. [Published: January 2005]

Indications of Public Health in the English Regions: 2 - Sub Regional Data

The Association of Public Health Observatories of England & Wales published the second report on Indications of Public Health in the English Regions. This report concentrates on health related indicators at sub-regional level. [Published: July 2004]

Indications of Public Health in the English Regions: 1 - Regional Level Data

The Association of Public Health Observatories has published the first in a series of reports highlighting indicators of public health in the English regions. The report uses the methodology of statistical process control to highlight differences between regions. [Published: December 2003]

Survey of international health links of English NHS trusts

This paper reports the results of a national postal survey of English NHS trusts and private sector hospital providers sent out in February 2005. The survey scoped the extent of existing links with less developed countries, the benefits of these links and the barriers to developing further links as well as specific responses to the Asian earthquake. [Published: 13 May 2005]

Isaacs report: The investigation of events that followed the death of Cyril Mark Isaacs

Report of HM Inspector of Anatomy on his investigation of Mr Isaacs' death and, in particular, the retention and intended use for research of his brain. [Published: 12 May 2003]

Treatment of poisoning by selected chemical compounds October 2003

This report of the Expert Group on Management of Chemical Casualties Caused by Terrorist Activity covers the use of oximes in management of nerve agent poisoning, use of antidotes in cyanide poisoning, lung damaging agents, acute management of mustard gas injuries of the eyes, and recommendations for research. [Published: 15 October 2003]

Preventing accidental injury: priorities for action

This report to the Chief Medical Officer by the Accidental Injury Task Force offers a practical way forward to cross-government action which would have the greatest impact in preventing injury. [Published: 11 October 2002]

Summary of the findings of studies undertaken to investigate the effects of exposure to volcanic ash on Montserrat

Summary of the findings of studies undertaken to investigate the effects of exposure to volcanic ash on Montserrat. [Published: 5 September 2002]

A report of the CFS/ME Working Group

This report to the Chief Medical Officer outlines how the NHS might improve health and social care for people who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). [Published: 11 January 2002]

Review of four neonatal deaths due to cardiac tamponade associated with the presence of a central venous catheter: recommendations and Department of Health response

This review was commissioned by The Chief Medical Officer for England in response to the public concern raised following the deaths of four babies in Greater Manchester from apparently similar causes last year. [Published: 26 June 2001]

The prevention of intrathecal medication errors: a report to the Chief Medical Officer

This report adopts a systems approach to identify factors which have contributed to errors in the administration of Vinca alkaloids such as vincristine, and explores safety measures to reduce risk. [Published: 19 April 2001]

External Inquiry into the adverse incident that occurred at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, 4th January 2001

This report by Professor Brian Toft details the work of the enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of this patient, who received, by intrathecal (spinal) administration, the correct treatment followed by Vincristine which 'should never be administered by the intrathecal route because it is nearly always fatal'. [Published: 19 April 2001]

Health effects of climate change in the UK

At the request of the Department of Health, the Expert Group on Climate Change and Health in the UK reported on the likely impact of climate change on health, and implications for the NHS. [Published: April 2001]

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