Professor Kevin Fenton Director for Health Improvement & Population Health, Public Health England
Abstract
Health & Social Care Act 2012 makes provision for wholesale system change across health and social care including: NHS reform; Refocusing on public health and prevention; Localism; and focusing on outcomes not targets. This has created an integrated system, in which Public Health England is the authoritative leader in national public health and the expert service provider for public health in England. Public Health England’s mission is to work with and alongside others to protect and improve the public’s health and well-being and reduce inequalities through our advocacy; application of knowledge, evidence and insight; transparent reporting of outcomes; and nurturing the public health system and workforce.
The priorities for Public Health England include: Living longer - reducing premature mortality; Healthier lives - increasing healthy life expectancy and reducing dependency; Protection from infectious disease and environmental hazards - deliver a nationwide health protection service; Healthy families and getting the best start for children - improving outcomes for families and children; Healthy employers - improving health at work; Promote the development of place-based public health systems; and developing the system capacity to provide professional, scientific and delivery expertise.
In this new environment, partnerships will be key. Local Authorities, with detailed understanding of their communities and circumstances are the natural leaders for public health in their areas. Our partnerships with local authorities, the NHS and the third sector are what will allow us to achieve the outcomes we want. Our partners provide broader avenues by which the public interact with the health system and may be advocates for public health.
