Public health under threat, says NHS Alliance

Released: 06/04/2011

The proposed structure for public health delivery – put forward by the Government in a series of documents under the banner of ‘Healthy Lives’ – could results in a fragmentation of key functions of public health, warns the NHS Alliance.

In its response to the Government*, the Alliance argues that apart from real threats that during the transition to new organisational structures current good practice is neglected or abandoned, public health could become “a dysfunctional orphan abandoned by its current host, NHS PCTs, and sold on to what some perceive as reluctant local authorities, with the promise of a ring fenced public health budget that is unlikely to be sufficient to meet an ever-growing list of responsibilities”.

On the other hand, changes in the health system could bring public health to the heart of the community and engage front line staff as well as local communities.

Professor Chris Drinkwater, President and Public Health Lead for the NHS Alliance, said: “At the moment, there is too much focus on collecting and analysing data to produce evidence for action and not enough focus on engaging local people and health staff. Evidence is not enough; we need action at local level. Pathfinder consortia and health & wellbeing early implementers need to start working together and sharing learning now.”

He added: “Consortia and directors of public health will need to work closely together. There needs to be a focus on joint working between local authorities and consortia on long-term conditions, older people and mental health in order to address inequalities in health. These need to be recognised as public health priorities. .

According to the Alliance, the consultation papers outline the potential new architecture which has much to commend it.  “The real challenge will be to ensure that the incentives and processes that drive this system bring about real change in the way the system works and, more importantly, real change in the way local communities and the public engage in healthy living so that we have a sustainable and affordable, publically funded health service.”

Ends.

Notes to editors:

1.   Full response attached.

2.   NHS Alliance brings together GP consortia, PCTs, clinicians and managers as the leading organisation in primary care. We are an independent non-political membership organisation proud to be at the forefront of clinically-led commissioning. Its leaders are all dedicated professionals, who represent the Alliance’s diverse membership, working ceaselessly to meet the challenges facing the NHS today. Find out more at www.nhsalliance.org

3.   For more information, please email pressoffice@nhsalliance.org or call 07772 756674.