Showing 7 results

Archival description
Donaldson (Sir Liam) Archive BBC, British Broadcasting Corporation, 1922-
Advanced search options
Print preview Hierarchy View:

Audio recording of Sir Liam's appearance on BBC Radio 4 documentary Cleveland Twenty Years On

Analysis of the Cleveland Child Abuse Scandal, where between February and July 1987 121 children in Cleveland were diagnosed by Dr Marietta Higgs and Dr Geoffrey Wyatt as having been sexually abused and taken into care. Gives a narrative account of what led to the high profile crisis and it's impact on professional, media and public attitudes to child abuse and chld-protection, including interviews with some of the key people involved.

Sir Liam, who was the Regional Medical Officer to the Northern Regional Health Authority (including Cleveland) during the period, discusses the reaction of the medical profession, his meeting with Dr Higgs and Dr Wyatt, the unreliability of their diagnoses and how these events both prepared him for dealing with controversial issues as Chief Medical Officer for England and what he may have done differently.

Running time 27:32. Sir Liam's appearances at 13:55 - 14:48, 16:10 - 17:05 and 25:39 - 27:03.

Audio recording of Sir Liam's appearance on BBC Radio 4 documentary Scarily Good Health

Analysis of health-scares propogated by the health care industry into people's lifestyle and eating habits, whether they have any basis to them and whether this detracts from more prevelant health issues, such as communicable diseases.

Sir Liam gives his expert medical opinion, arguing that while information overload does feed the public undertanding of risk, politicians and health professionals need to be more open where uncertainty exists. He also warns that some of the polluting effects of global warming have had a negative impact on the spread of communicable diseases.

Audio recording of Sir Liam's appearance on BBC Radio 4 programme Start the Week

Conisists of 30 minute panel discussion programme presented by Andrew Marr, featuring Sir Liam, novelist William Boyd, broadcaster John Micklethwait, and journalist Polly Toynbee. Each offers predictions for the coming years; Sir Liam's being the inevitably of another influenza pandemic. Discusses historical trends, the need for good planning to mitigate harm, public and political reactions to pandemics, and what the UK is doing to prepare.

Other health issues discussed include stem cell research, Sir Liam's perception of the strengths and weaknesses of the NHS and reforms during his time as Chief Medical Officer, and the 'Nanny State' in relation to healthy lifestyles.

Audio recording of Sir Liam's appearance on part 4 of BBC Radio 4 documentary Building a Healthier Britain

Analysis of the effects of social status on health and mortality, epidemiological research indicating the contributing factors to these disparities and how they can be challenged. Includes a look at Sir Michael Marmot's Whitehall I and II studies; linking civil servants job grades to stress and subsequent ill health.

Sir Liam emphasises the need for cross-government policies and working to reduce health inequalities, including improving employment, education opportunities and environmental factors both centrally and locally.

Running time 27:47. Sir Liam's appearances at 15:39 - 17:40 and 26:40 - 27:13.