Latest news with #KennethCalman
Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Times
Kenneth Calman obituary: former chief medical officer for Scotland
In 1977 Kenneth Calman installed a table-tennis table at his office in the Kelvinside area of Glasgow, hoping that it would encourage more talking among his staff. 'It was vital that we met in a semi-informal manner just so we could talk, communicate about what we are doing,' he told the Daily Record. They were discussing cancer and Calman was leading a 25-strong team undertaking research into the disease. At the time, 60 per cent of patients were dying within a month of diagnosis. 'That one statistic was a challenge to everything I wanted the new department of oncology to be,' he wrote in his memoir, It Started in a Cupboard (2019). Calman pioneered a holistic approach to cancer treatment in Scotland, pointing out that patients' needs were not only physical but also encompassed the social, emotional and spiritual. 'Healing can be a much broader concept,' he told The Herald. These thoughts led him to start Cancer Support Scotland, inviting patients into his home to hear what was most important to them during their illness. 'What this allowed me to do was to understand cancer in a way I hadn't understood before. Not in the kind of treatment, or the research, but about the people, patients, families and what they could cope with,' he said. He described how the drug Cisplatin induced vomiting in every patient whenever they took it, so much so that some would be sick merely at the sight of him. 'You get used to it,' he noted drily. He also introduced the Golden Pisspot award, a gold-painted chamber pot awarded to the doctor whose research work most disrupted clinical care. He was the final recipient. Calman's public service extended beyond tackling cancer. He was chief medical officer for Scotland at the time when Edinburgh had a reputation as 'Europe's Aids capital'; held the same position in England during the BSE crisis; and was vice-chancellor of the University of Durham, hitting a £175 million fundraising target for the university's 175th anniversary in 2007. Returning to Scotland he was appointed chairman of the Calman Commission, given the task of examining ways to make devolution work better. The commission's report, Serving Scotland Better, was delivered in June 2009 with input from the three main unionist parties but not the SNP. It formed the basis of the Scotland Act 2012 and included proposals for devolving election administration, drink-driving limits and tax-raising powers to Holyrood. • The Calman Commission: the main recommendations Although the commission might have seemed distant from his medical background, Calman insisted that they were related. 'First of all, we had to diagnose what was wrong, all the time keeping an open mind and checking all the other symptoms we could discern, constantly communicating with the patient as openly as possible,' he wrote. 'Gradually, though, we started to focus on the key issues and call on specialist knowledge, just as a clinician might want to do.' Kenneth Charles Calman was born in the Knightswood area of Glasgow in 1941, the elder of two sons of Arthur Calman, a mechanic at MacKinnon's, a textile manufacturer, who died from a heart attack when Kenneth was nine and his brother, Norman, was five. His mother, Grace (née Don), was a secretary who later typed his PhD thesis. He recalled how rationing lasted until 1954, claiming that in both his chief medical officer posts he told his political masters that 'if they really wanted a healthy population, they should bring it back'. The church was central to his childhood with Sunday school, Scripture Union camps, membership of the Boys' Brigade and Billy Graham's rallies; he was later ordained an elder in the Kirk. At Allan Glen's School, Glasgow, he occasionally helped out in an uncle's chip shop. He then studied medicine and biochemistry at the University of Glasgow, returning in 1970 to complete a PhD in dermatology. He also found time to play rugby and hockey, and during one summer vacation he worked as a hospital porter. He met Ann Wilkie during a student charity parade in 1960 and they were married in 1967. Ann, who became deputy headmistress of a primary school, survives him with their children Andrew, an IT professional, Lynn, a medical academic, and Susan, a stand-up comedian. During a series of house jobs Calman wrote his first book, Basic Skills for the Surgical Houseman (1971). He also spent a research year in London with Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the hospice movement, before moving into surgery. At the age of only 32 he was appointed professor of oncology at Glasgow and in 1989 was appointed chief medical officer of Scotland. Moving on to be chief medical officer of England in 1991, he famously declared that British beef was safe to eat, words that returned to haunt him during the BSE inquiry in 1998. 'If you look at 'safe' in ordinary speech, we do not mean that the driver we described as safe will never have an accident,' he told the hearings. In that sense the word 'safe' meant 'free from unacceptable risk or harm'. The inquiry thought otherwise. Meanwhile, he was dealing with fears of a plague outbreak after eight people in Britain were identified with symptoms. A small, dapper and erudite figure with a kindly manner, Calman collected cartoons and sundials. He maintained his passion for acquiring knowledge, describing himself as a 'philomath'. At various times he was president of the Boys' Brigade, chancellor of the University of Glasgow and chairman of the National Trust for Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. In addition to a raft of scientific papers he published poetry and other books including A Doctor's Line: Poetry and Prescriptions in Health and Healing (2014). The secret to his success was, he said, equanimity. 'The ability to remain calm and composed is important and I learnt this first in the operating theatre,' he wrote. 'But it is just the same in the public sector, when difficulties are presented. My motto for this is 'Keep Calman carry on'.' Professor Sir Kenneth Calman, chief medical officer for Scotland, 1989-91, was born on December 25, 1941. He died after a short illness on July 21, 2025, aged 83
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Scottish doctor Sir Kenneth Calman dies aged 83
Educated at the University of Glasgow, he was formerly the Chief Medical Officer of both Scotland, later, England. His daughter, the comedian Susan Calman, announced the news on social media. READ NEXT: This man went on a £10k housebreaking spree targeting Glasgow homes READ NEXT: Legends match to honour two players 'taken far too early' She wrote on Instagram: "My dad died earlier this week. This is a photo is him and my Mum on their wedding day 58 years ago. It's a horrific time but I'm lucky to have supportive family, friends and a wonderful partner to hold me up. "Thanks to the incredible staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for treating him with such kindness and dignity and for the compassion they showed us. It made the bleakest of times more bearable. When he was conscious and alert I told him I loved him. "He said 'you're wonderful' and I said 'so are you'. Grief is so completely, overwhelmingly, physically painful, but as others have said such feelings are an indication of how loved he was, is and always will be." Sir Kenneth was elected Chancellor of the University of Glasgow in 2006, and famously led the Calman Commission which reviewed Scottish devolution. The commission recommended that the Scottish Parliament receive greater tax-raising powers and further devolution on things such as administration of elections, the national speed limit and new borrowing powers. He was vice-chancellor of Durham University from 1998 and 2006. Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, said: 'Our University community is deeply saddened by the death of Sir Kenneth Calman, who steered the University into an even stronger position through the developments he oversaw during an almost 10-year tenure. 'He left a tremendous legacy. Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family and friends." Former Durham University Chancellor (2005-2011), the author Bill Bryson, said: 'Kenneth Calman was a consummate Vice-Chancellor, indeed a consummate human being - wise, thoughtful, irrepressibly good-natured, deeply devoted to Durham and greatly admired by students and staff alike. 'Working beside him was an inspiration and a pleasure. I will miss him very much." Anne Galbraith, former Chair of University Council, said: 'I knew Ken slightly when he was Chief Medical Officer, so it was a great pleasure to get to know him better when I joined the Council of the University. 'His tenure included some major developments in the University, not least teaching medicine. 'Ken was always such good company, with an impish smile. He wore his learning and achievements lightly, and, for myself, he will always be remembered for his charm and unfailing good nature.'
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Devolution reformer and academic Sir Kenneth Calman dies aged 83
Sir Kenneth Calman famously led a review on devolution in Scotland Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Doctor and academic Sir Kenneth Calman has died at the age of 83. His daughter, comedian Susan Calman, announced the news in a post on Instagram, sharing a photograph of her parents on their wedding day 58 years ago. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sir Kenneth served as chief medical officer for both Scotland and England, and was elected Chancellor of the University of Glasgow in 2006. In 2009, he led the Calman Commission review on devolution in Scotland. His report made 24 recommendations on extending the powers of the Scottish Parliament, including greater tax-raising powers and more control over elections and the national speed limit. Susan Calman announced that her dad had died earlier this week | Getty Images Ms Calman wrote: 'It's a horrific time but I'm lucky to have supportive family, friends and a wonderful partner to hold me up. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Thanks to the incredible staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for treating him with such kindness and dignity and for the compassion they showed us.' Sir Kenneth was born in Glasgow in 1941 and educated at the University of Glasgow. He was Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Trust for Scotland between 2010 to 2015, and he later became chair of the Board of National Library of Scotland. His daughter Susan is a Scottish comedian and presenter, and was a contestant on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tributes for Sir Kenneth were shared online, with the Bedellus at Glasgow University saying he was 'saddened beyond words' to hear about his death. His post on X read: 'One of the most exceptionally brilliant and yet, most humblest of men Sir Kenneth served his @UofGlasgow with distinction right up until the very end.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Devolution reformer and academic Sir Kenneth Calman dies aged 83
Sir Kenneth Calman famously led a review on devolution in Scotland Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Doctor and academic Sir Kenneth Calman has died at the age of 83. His daughter, comedian Susan Calman, announced the news in a post on Instagram, sharing a photograph of her parents on their wedding day 58 years ago. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sir Kenneth served as chief medical officer for both Scotland and England, and was elected Chancellor of the University of Glasgow in 2006. In 2009, he led the Calman Commission review on devolution in Scotland. His report made 24 recommendations on extending the powers of the Scottish Parliament, including greater tax-raising powers and more control over elections and the national speed limit. Susan Calman announced that her dad had died earlier this week | Getty Images Ms Calman wrote: 'It's a horrific time but I'm lucky to have supportive family, friends and a wonderful partner to hold me up. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Thanks to the incredible staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for treating him with such kindness and dignity and for the compassion they showed us.' Sir Kenneth was born in Glasgow in 1941 and educated at the University of Glasgow. He was Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Trust for Scotland between 2010 to 2015, and he later became chair of the Board of National Library of Scotland. His daughter Susan is a Scottish comedian and presenter, and was a contestant on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tributes for Sir Kenneth were shared online, with the Bedellus at Glasgow University saying he was 'saddened beyond words' to hear about his death. His post on X read: 'One of the most exceptionally brilliant and yet, most humblest of men Sir Kenneth served his @UofGlasgow with distinction right up until the very end.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Academic and devolution reformer Sir Kenneth Calman dies aged 83
Sir Kenneth Calman, the doctor and academic who led the Calman Commission review into devolution, has died aged a long career in medicine and public service, he served as chief medical officer for both Scotland and England, was warden and vice-chancellor of the University of Durham and chancellor of the University of 2009 he led the review of the Scottish Parliament which suggested extending Holyrood's death was announced by his daughter, the comedian Susan Calman. Sir Kenneth Calman was born in Glasgow in 1941 and educated at the city's Allan Glen's School and the University of worked in vascular and transplant surgery before being appointed Professor of Oncology at the University of Glasgow. Sir Kenneth became chief medical officer for Scotland in 1989, moving to the same role in England two years took up his post in Durham in 1998, serving for eight years before returning to lead the University of Glasgow from 2006 to Kenneth was knighted in 1996 and was a Deputy Lieutenant of Glasgow until his death. 'A horrific time' In an Instagram post his daughter Susan wrote: "It's a horrific time but I'm lucky to have supportive family, friends and a wonderful partner to hold me up. "Thanks to the incredible staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for treating him with such kindness and dignity and for the compassion they showed us. It made the bleakest of times more bearable. "When he was conscious and alert I told him I loved him. He said 'you're wonderful' and I said 'so are you'. "Grief is so completely, overwhelmingly, physically painful, but as others have said such feelings are an indication of how loved he was, is and always will be." 'A really lovely person to work with' The review of devolution led by Sir Kenneth was commissioned by the Scottish Parliament in reported in 2009, making 24 recommendations to extend the parliament's powers, including into other tax-raising areas. It said Scotland should take charge of half the income tax it report, which included input from the three main Unionist parties but not the SNP, came five years before the Scottish independence referendum in September UK coalition government of 2010-2014 pledged to implement the findings and used them as the basis for the Scotland Act 2012. Sir Kenneth went on to chair the trustees of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and chaired the board of the National Library of Scotland (NLS) from 2016 to 2020.A statement released from the NLS said they were "very sad" to hear of his death."We remember him fondly as chair of the National Library of Scotland board," the statement said."We wouldn't be where we are today without his support and encouragement. "But most of all, he was a really lovely person to work with. "Our thoughts are with his family and his many friends." Prof Sir Kenneth Calman was the ideal choice to lead a review into Scottish diplomatic and with a kindly manner, his chairing skills were much eponymous commission stemmed from a political earthquake in SNP's victory in the Holyrood election that year lifted the lid on the independence question, beginning what was called a "national conversation".As the new party of government put a referendum on the agenda, the pro-union parties set out their something more had to be done and they talked about a "new agenda for Scotland".The Commission on Scottish Devolution was set up by the UK Labour government - and opposed by the the end of the day - and most significantly - tax-raising powers were eventually devolved to Holyrood as part of the commission's former medical man had carried out significant but gentle surgery on the body politic, despite the wider unionist-nationalist dividing Kenneth's commission helped pave the way for another - more significant - review of devolution in 2014, where the parties saw the advantages of cross-party co-operation.
