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The Chief Medical Officer publishes annual report:

Calls for new focus to tackle health of teenage nation

The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, today [14 July 2008] published his 2007 Annual Report, in which he called for a new focus on teenage health. The report, which reviews key health problems and developments over the last year, highlighted the unique health needs of teenagers.

The teenage years are a risk taking period of life, closely tied to the rite of passage into adulthood. Although the majority of teenagers cope well, large numbers of teens take part in high risk behaviours, such as binge drinking, drug taking and unsafe sex. There are also teenagers living with chronic illnesses.

Sir Liam's report urged health services to take better account of the specific health needs of young people and sets–out 'Top Ten Tips' for teenagers.

He also called for:

• a national summit to take stock of health programmes and services for teenagers,

• more involvement of teenagers in the design of health services for them,

• a young person's panel to be established to advise on national campaigns addressing risk–taking in teenage years,

• the legal blood alcohol level limit for drivers aged between 17 and 20 years to be reduced to zero.

For a full copy of the Chief Medical Officer’s 2007 Annual Report visit the Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk/cmo.

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