Press release: NHS Confederation comments on Healthcare Commission and Audit Commission report on public health
16 Jul 2008
Commenting on "Are we choosing health?" David Stout, Director of the PCT Network which represents the majority of Primary Care Trusts, said:
"Today's report rightly highlights some of the areas where the NHS has helped to make great strides in tackling the big public health challenges we face. However, we agree progress is now needed on the problems of obesity and alcohol misuse.
"The emphasis on a comprehensive range of approaches, local devolution and not relying on targets is right. The solutions will need to be driven locally based on local priorities and circumstances. To make an impact on these challenging areas we will also need to ask searching questions about personal responsibility, what policy interventions are appropriate in a free society and what will have most impact on changing behaviour.
"Primary Care Trusts will work together with national and local government, schools, regulators, planning services and organisations across many sectors to help bring about a culture change and help create healthier lifestyles. Local strategic partnerships are key to this."
ENDS
Notes for editors
1. The PCT Network represents all primary care trusts in England. It was established in December 2006 to provide a distinct voice for PCTs. The Network is part of the NHS Confederation;
2. The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
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