A CENTRE for research into developing the arts and humanities in medicine and public health was launched at Durham University yesterday.

The inaugural event for the Centre for Arts and Humanities in Health and Medicine (CAHHM) was a day-long conference which brought together speakers from the health and arts fields.

They included university vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman, the Government's former Chief Medical Officer, who said: "The university is delighted to be in on the ground floor of this fascinating area of research. The link between arts and health takes in crucial elements, such as training of medical staff and prevention, as well as treatment of illness."

Backed by the Nuffield Trust, an independent health policy observer, the Centre for Arts and Humanities in Health and Medicine is headed by Dr Jane McNaughton, a former general practitioner and medical lecturer and writer, from Glasgow.

She outlined her plans for the centre at the conference.

"We are only beginning to recognise and validate the relationship between arts and health and make crucial links.," she said.

"CAHHM will fulfil an important role in spearheading research and developing this exciting and highly specialised field."