Health issues covered in this report include;

Progress on 2001 recommendations;

The dangers of second-hand smoke (including recommendations on banning smoking in public places);

A study on West Nile virus including the risk of it spreading to England and need for surveillance and contingency plans;

Curbing England's obesity epidemic;

Patient safety in intrathecal chemotherapy treatment;

And tackling poor clinical practice by providing support and dealing more effectively with problem doctors.

Also included is a regional focus on some local problems, trends and initiatives across England.

Health issues covered in this report include;

Progress on previous years' recommendations;

The need to reduce variation in the provision of specific health services to deliver effective treatment equitably;

Parallels between aviation safety and patient safety;

Early recognition of warning signs to prevent kernicterus;

Protecting public health budgets to sustain the health service;

And preparing for the next flu pandemic.

Also included is a regional focus on some local problems, trends and initiatives across England.