Tickets available for Roscoe Lecture
12 February 2010
All are welcome to apply for free tickets to see Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer, deliver one of LJMU's popular Roscoe lectures on Monday 15 February.
Entitled ‘The Legacy of Dr Duncan - the first Chief Medical Officer,’ the lecture, which takes place at 5pm in the Philharmonic Hall, will focus on the Liverpool-born physician who worked at the city’s infirmary and campaigned for improvements to the appalling living conditions of his patients.
Sir Liam Donaldson was appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for England in 1998 and as such is the Government’s principal advisor on health matters. He has led major public health campaigns including the smoking ban, drives to improve safety in surgery, new legislation for research using embryonic cells and consent for the removal of organs and tissues. He has also been involved in the response to the Swine Flu Pandemic, as Chair of the Pandemic Influenza Board.
In 2002 Sir Liam received a knighthood in recognition of his achievements in health and healthcare. He has received numerous awards including 14 honorary doctorates from British universities, eight fellowships from medical royal colleges and faculties and has also been awarded the President’s Gold Medal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Sir Liam recently announced that he will step down in May 2010 after 12 years of service, making him the longest serving Chief Medical Officer of modern times.
Professor the Lord David Alton, Chair of LJMU’s Foundation for Citizenship, which hosts the lecture series, said: "When Liverpool experienced the deaths of thousands of its citizens through cholera and typhoid, Dr Duncan was appointed as the country's first Chief Medical Officer of Health. More than 150 years later it is wonderful to have Sir Liam Donaldson deliver a Roscoe Lecture to celebrate Dr Duncan's memory but also to caution us never to be complacent - especially as old foes such as TB and rickets make an unwelcome reappearance - and to assess the dangers of new pandemics."
During the event, Sir Liam will present Calday Grange Grammar School pupils Hannah Roberts and Antony Phillips with Good Citizenship Awards. Both Hannah and Antony have suffered tragedy in their lives following the deaths of their two friends but both have raised over £2,000 each for funds established in memory of their friends.
Around 1,000 people are expected to attend the lecture.
Places are free but tickets must be obtained. Call 0151 231 3668 or email RoscoeLectures@ljmu.ac.uk
