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 2001 and 2002 recommendations;

The harmful effects of smoking on people's skin;

The economic impact of smoke-free public places and work-places;

The importance of early detection and diagnosis of HIV;

A review of academic medicine and medical research;

And use of blood and safety in blood transfusions.

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

Includes material specifically related to Sir Liam's major tobacco control and smoking cessation campaigns as covered in various Annual Reports (see related material).