Public Health letter

In early February, ARMA was one of 55 signatories to an open letter published in The Times newspaper from the Association of Directors of Public Health. The letter argued that public health should be a priority in the Spending Review.

ADPH President Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said:

“Tackling the root causes of ill health and creating places in which we can all be healthy is the mission of local government. If we undervalue this public health expertise within local government, the NHS Long Term Plan simply cannot be delivered.

“Directors of Public Health can provide the leadership needed to drive improvements in the determinants of health – housing, air quality, crime and poverty – alongside community public health services, such as alcohol treatment and stop smoking services, which are just as vital as hospital-based support.

“The significant cuts to public health are jeopardising these efforts, which are so fundamental to population health – and the sustainability of the NHS. It is time for a step change in public health funding and national policy action. This must be a priority for the Spending Review.”

Read the letter on The Times website (pay-wall) or download the statement from the ADPH.