Public Health on agenda for Wolverhampton Debates

Sir Liam Donaldson will give a talk titled Health, Wealthy and Wise at the event taking place at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium on Friday 28 June 2013.

It will look at the impact lifestyle choices have on rising obesity levels, alcohol misuse, health damage caused by smoking and the consequences for the prosperity of cities.

Sir Liam held the position of Chief Medical Officer for 12 years between 1998 and 2010 and produced notable reports and policy which shaped public health.

These included the introduction of the smoking ban in pubs and restaurants in 2007, regulated stem cell research and the creation of the Health Protection Agency.

This is the third event in the series of Wolverhampton Debates, organised jointly by the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton City Council and Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East.

Sir Geoff Hampton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The University is delighted to be welcoming another high profile guest such as Sir Liam Donaldson to Wolverhampton.

“Wolverhampton Debates is all about showing people what we as a city and region have to offer and how all the different partners are working together to identify the key issues affecting the Black Country and how we can aid economic regeneration.

 “The public health of our communities is integral to that.”

Mr McFadden said: “It’s great to get someone of Liam Donaldson’s standing and experience to speak in Wolverhampton. The Wolverhampton Debates series is all about what we need to do to create a better future for people in our city. 

“Public health is a crucial issue. As a city we suffer from a number of health inequalities and problems related to alcohol misuse, obesity and smoking. This has a knock-on effect on services, family life, work, crime and disorder.

“There are few more important issues facing us than addressing Wolverhampton’s public health issues.”

For more information on the event contact Wendy Bowen at Wolverhampton City Council on 01902 554001 or email wendy.bowen@wolverhampton.gov.uk

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003

Date Issued: Thursday 27 June 2013