'Kill
or Cure?' (1983 & 1987) Two series
of documentaries on injury from prescribed drugs, monitoring for drug safety
and compensation. Made for Channel 4. The New Scientist wrote
about the first series "...balanced... skilful... competent and helpful...
After far too many sensational and/or half baked television critiques of
modern medicine and the drug industry 'Kill or Cure?' is worthy of close
attention." One of the programmes was covering the SMON scandal, others
the dangers of DTP vaccination, and the sale by the pharmaceutical industry
of dangerous drugs in third world countries.
'For
What it's Worth' (1984-1989)
A series of reports and programmes for Thames Television about issues
as DES children, the Dalkon shield and dangers side-effects of painkilling
drugs. The two programmes in this series on the possible dangers of various
vitamins and herbs got in 1985 a Silver Award at the International Consumer
Film Competition in Berlin.
'Who
Cares' (1985) Four one hour documentaries
for Channel 4 on comparative health care in six countries. One of
the programmes got in 1986 the Special Merit award from the Medical Journalists
Association and Pearl Assurance.
'Forgotten
Millions' (1987) A documentary on the
plight of the mental ill across the world. Made for Central Television's
Viewpoint 87. The programme got in 1989 the Red Ribbon Award from the American
Film and Video Association.
'Food:
Fad or Fact?' (1987
& 1988) two series of six documentaries made for Television South
West challenging some received views on the links between diet and
disease. 'The Cholesterol Campaign' won in 1989 as educational documentary
a bronze award at the Houston International Film Festival. 'Salt' won the
New Jersey Television and Movie Award for Best Educational Production in
1988.
'Impotence:
One in ten men' (1989) A documentary for
Channel 4 on the problem of impotence and the latest treatments.
The programme was awarded with a Certificate of Educational Merit by the
British Medical Association. The Financial Times wrote "It
is not just refreshing but cheering to find someone... who still has the
instinct to question the received wisdom and challenge the consensus, however
fashionable. That instinct lies at the heart of all best journalism."
