Public health works across communities and populations rather than at the level of the individual. It emphasises collective responsibility for health, its protection and disease prevention. Key to this is the recognition of the key role of the state, linked to a concern for the underlying socio-economic and wider determinants of health, as well as disease. Partnership working with all those who contribute to the health of the population is a main aim of public health action at all levels – nationally, regionally and locally.
More information on the national picture
Regional Health and Well-being Strategy Launch
Nick Brown, Minister for the North East, has formally launched ambitious plans to transform the health of the region.
The area's first ever health and well-being strategy aims to make people living here the healthiest in the country within a generation. Alongside proposals for additional work through the NHS in the first edition of Better Health, Fairer Health are calls for action across a range of areas beyond its scope.
Dr Stephen Singleton, Regional Director for Public Health, is leading the strategy that was developed following a three-month consultation that attracted over 100 responses.
Public Health North East has a strategic role working with other regional organisations to address the factors that contribute to the historically poor levels of health in the area.
They also lead and support the local implementation of national health programmes including:
- tobacco control
- antenatal screening
- improving diet/reducing obesity
- workplace health
- sensible drinking.
