Public health
The Department of Health white paper Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier was published in November 2004 and contained a wealth of information and policy designed to help local NHS Trusts and others encourage healthier lifestyles.
It sets out areas where health needs to be improved, and suggests many initiatives which will help to achieve this. Overarching priorities include:
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Reducing the number of people who smoke
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Reducing obesity and improving diet and nutrition
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Increasing exercise
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Encouraging and supporting sensible drinking
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Improving sexual health
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Improving mental health
In this theme area of NHS Networks, there are links to networks and other groups looking at various initiatives to help achieve the aims of Choosing Health. There are also resources with ideas and ways of working which may help you in the work you are doing in this area.
For matters relating to obesity, smoking and avian flu, please use the submenu on the right.
Toolkit for appointing joint directors of puiblic health
This toolkit was developed by Directors of Public Health from a cohort of six local areas where joint posts already exist and is published by ChaMPs, Cheshire and Merseyside’s Public Health Network. It complements a framework document on joint posts being prepared by the Association of Directors of Public Health. The toolkit considers the added value a joint Director of Public Health can bring, advice on the appointments process and the skills a joint post-holder will need. Hard copies can be requested by contacting Viv Martindale at ChaMPs Public Health Network, 3 Port Causeway, Bromborough, Wirral CH62 4NH or vivienne.martindale@bwwpct.nhs.uk
Useful public health links
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People in Public Health
Individuals and organisations are invited to give brief details of any PH projects or schemes involving lay people - ie. non-health professionals. This will eventually become a searchable database to promote shared learning about these types of approaches -
Public health networks in the NHS Networks Register
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PublicHealthy.com - an independent public health site run by Dr Tom Porter.
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Royal College of Physicians: Faculty of Public Health
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see also the useful links page of the West Midlands Public Health Information Group
Useful public health documents
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Top Tips for Health in Local Authorities (PDF, 767KB), also executive summary (PDF, 1.2MB)
The guide focuses on the actions public sector partners can take to enhance the health and well-being of their staff and citizens, drawing together evidence, national policy and practical example of what works in an easily digestible format. -
Statistical process control methods in public health intelligence (PDF, 1.8MB)
The second in a series of APHO technical briefings designed to support public health practitioners and analysts and to promote the use of public health intelligence in decision making. This briefing looks at the uses of statistical process control (SPC) methods and associated visual display tools (control charts and funnel plots) in public health intelligence. (December 2007) -
The role of public health in supporting the development of integrated services (PDF, 918KB)
The 48-page discussion paper from the Integrated Care Network provides an overview of the scope of public health practice, outlines some of the tools and techniques that might be used in designing and evaluating integrated services and explains how they might be used as a lever for change and service improvement. -
Health Trainer workshop (Word, 306KB)
Summary of the proceedings of the Health Trainer Workshop held on 12 April 2005 -
Stories that can change your life: communities challenging health inequalities (PDF, 661KB)
A booklet published by the Engaging Communities Learning Network which contains stories of PCTs and Care Trusts around the country working with their local communities to improve health. Examples include training people with learning disabilities to work with their peer group, a project with a local football club, and the setting up of a fresh fruit and vegetable cooperative. -
Health Inequalities Standards: Self Assessment Framework (Word, 51KB)
For PCTs and others - looks at influencers, engagement, resources, corporate action and clinicians' contributions.