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CMO Medical Officer Annual Report

Chief Medical Officer’s 2021 annual report highlights the substantially higher burden of physical and mental health conditions in coastal communities

  • The health challenges of coastal towns are serious and this report shows there is more in common between them than their nearest inland neighbours
  • Key recommendations include proposals for a cross-government strategy, greater coastal deployment of healthcare staff and improved data collection

England’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Chris Whitty has recommended a cross-government national strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of coastal communities, as part of his 2021 annual report.

The report highlights that, despite the significant efforts of local leaders, coastal communities continue to have a high burden of health challenges across a range of physical and mental health conditions, often with lower life expectancy and higher rates of many major diseases.