NHS Confederation: Media centre

Press release: NHS Confederation Praises Public Health White Paper as a Sea-Change in the Nation's Approach to Public Health

16 Nov 2004

The NHS Confederation says today's Public Health White Paper is a landmark document that promotes a genuine cross-governmental approach to public health for the first time, but warns that more is to be done to put these foundations into practice.

Nigel Edwards, Director of Policy for the NHS Confederation, said "This White Paper really pushes public health towards the top of priorities across the whole spectrum of Government for the first time. For too long, there has been a focus on waiting lists and hospitals to the detriment of the real health benefits that could be gained by tackling public health issues. Now we have the foundations in place to make a real difference, but the hard work is still to come in putting this into practice"

Commenting on the specific proposals, Nigel said "Our members are fully behind a smoking ban and we see this as only the first stage in the debate rather than the end of the matter. Meanwhile, sexual health in particular has been one of the forgotten parts of the NHS by governments, so more funding and a greater focus on this is an important step forward for better patient care in this sector."

Nigel concluded: "The important point is that this White Paper acknowledges that the NHS can only be a part of the programme to improve public health, and that the health service can't solve all problems on its own. It is a shame that the Government has passed up the chance to create a specific Cabinet position with responsibility for public health, but their focus on cross-governmental action is important."

ENDS

Notes for editors

1. The NHS Confederation surveyed 100 NHS chief executives in June this year, and asked what the top three health priorities for the political party manifestos should be. Public health issues, including smoking, alcohol and obesity, were the most popular response, mentioned by 52 chief executives.
2. The NHS Confederation represents the organisations that make up the NHS. Our members include the majority of NHS trusts, primary care trusts and health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; trusts and NHS boards in Scotland; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.