Chief medical officer to step down

Sir Liam Donaldson, who has held the position of England’s chief medical officer for the last 12 years, has announced he is to step down next year.

In his resignation to Sir Gus O’Donnell, the cabinet secretary and head of the civil service, Sir Liam said that he felt “immensely privileged” to serve in his post and that many of his policy recommendations have been carried forward into legislation.

Reforms such as the introduction of clinical governance in the NHS, the creation of the Health Protection Agency and the establishment of the National Patient Safety Agency took place as a result of Sir Liam’s recommendations in his role.

In response to the news of Sir Liam’s resignation, prime minister Gordon Brown said: “He has made an extraordinary contribution to the nation’s health, from championing the ban on smoking in public places, to tackling the shortage of donated organs.”

Sir Liam, who received his knighthood in 2002, is due to step down in May 2010.