Health leaders call for urgent action on public health shake-up

18 February 2011

Following a Local Government Group summit, 10 leading public health bodies have issued a joint statement on the Government's Health and Social Care Bill:

“The Health and Social Care Bill represents a major restructuring, not just of health care services, but also of councils' responsibilities in relation to public health, health improvement and health protection and the coordination of health and social care. Local government welcomes its enhanced role and ability to help address the wider determinants of better health.

“Recognising this fundamental change and the opportunities and threats that it presents for improving the health of the public, nine organisations representing public health specialists and local government have met to discuss their positions on the Bill.

“All recognise the important role that Local Authorities have to play in improving the health of the public and are keen to develop effective working relationships.

“Together we are calling for urgent clarification on funding arrangements for public health, a safely managed transition arrangement which avoids the loss of vital expertise, a clearer picture of what functions go where, minimal dictation from the centre and early resolution of very complex resource issues.

“Most importantly it was agreed that no action should be taken that threatens or undermines the good work that already takes place across the country on integrated health and social care delivery.

“The group has agreed to meet again in two months but in the meantime will be working closely on key aspects of the Health and Social Care Bill proposals and the mechanics of implementation.”

Participating organisations:

The Local Government Group, Royal College of Physicians, British Medical Association, Royal Society for Public Health, Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Midwives, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Association of Directors of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health and the UK Public Health Association

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