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Features
This section contains links to features on public health topics and other areas of special interest to the Chief Medical Officer, as well as current news items. Older features and news items are to be found in the Features Archive.
Features
Bird flu and pandemic influenza: what are the risks?
Monday 30 June 2008
A severe form of avian influenza or bird flu – called H5N1 – has affected poultry flocks and other birds in several countries since 2003. More than three hundred people have also caught the infection, over two hundred of whom have subsequently died, raising public concern about the possibility of further spread among humans and even a pandemic. This regularly updated feature explains the background to the disease, and assesses the nature of the risk to people living in the UK.
What to do in case of a heatwave
Monday 2 June 2008
Whilst most of us enjoy sunny weather, the extreme heat of a heatwave can be seriously damaging to the health, and can sometimes be fatal. This article provides information about who is at risk during a heatwave, and advice about what to do in case of a heatwave, and has been updated with new information for 2008.
Flu watch
Friday 18 April 2008
The annual influenza, or 'flu' jab, campaign was launched on 28 September 2007, to encourage people at risk from the complications that can be associated with flu to get immunised. This feature is regularly updated each winter to provide information on the impact of flu on public health.
More body donations needed to sustain medical education, training and research
Thursday 19 April 2007
While the number of people in England and Wales donating kidneys, livers and other organs has increased since 2000, the number of people leaving their whole body for medical science has fallen. Between 2000 and 2005 the number of body donations fell from 670 to 600. This has meant that some schools no longer have sufficient for their teaching needs.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
Friday 21 April 2006
This CMO feature provides background information and links covering key issues and concerns about Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) and the related Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
News
Smokefree England, one year on
Tuesday 1 July 2008
One year after England went 'Smokefree' the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, talks about some of the positive benefits of this landmark legislation.
Youth Alcohol Action Plan
Monday 2 June 2008
The Chief Medical Officer announced that he has been asked by the Government to develop guidelines for young people and parents on the risks of drinking alcohol at the launch of the Youth Alcohol Action Plan.
22,480 people register as organ donors during first two days following the launch of the CMO’s Annual Report 2006
Friday 20 July 2007
How to solve the chronic shortage of organ donors is one of five new topics that feature in the Chief Medical Officer’s 2006 Annual Report. Sir Liam Donaldson's proposal acted as an immediate ‘call to action’ for many of those who say they would be willing to donate their organs to save the life of another person, but who have not yet registered.
Smokefree England - video podcasts
Monday 18 June to Sunday 1 July 2007
In this series of video podcasts the Chief Medical Officer explores the many reasons why going Smokefree is both a positive and necessary move for England.
Chief Medical Officer wins World No Tobacco Day 2007 award
Friday 1 June 2007
Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) rewards individuals and organisations for their remarkable commitment and contribution towards a tobacco-free Europe. Sir Liam Donaldson is among six people in WHO EURO to receive a World No Tobacco Day 2007 award this year.
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