Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre gives her view on the issue of pollution as raised by the chief medical officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies.
Responding to the publication of Health impacts of all pollution – what do we know?, Professor Dacre said:
The themes and recommendations outlined in the chief medical officer’s report are very welcome. We know about the lifelong health impacts caused by pollution, particularly those of air pollution, as often outlined by our special adviser on air quality, Professor Stephen Holgate, however more complex is how we as health professionals begin to tackle this issue in our own working lives.
As one of the largest global employers, the NHS has huge potential to influence change, therefore the proposed working group of royal colleges, government and faculties of health, to ensure that the health impacts of pollution are included in curricula for all clinicians in training, is a notably progressive move.
Additionally, as we recently highlighted with our joint report with the Lancet Countdown Commission, we need to ensure regular monitoring and reporting from local authorities and national bodies, to allow for quick and impactful change.
For more information please contact RCP communications manager Morgan Evans: morgan.evans@rcplondon.ac.uk.