The Future of Health Improvement

In response to the Government’s published timetable for the restructuring of public health announced on 15^th September, leading health organisations and alliances have set out six tests they believe Government proposals must pass to deliver truly world class outcomes in levelling-up health and securing a population resilient to future health risks.

The publication of these six tests follows the first joint statement endorsed by over 120 organisations across the health sector which sets out the principles a new public health system must be based on, to ensure delivery of the Government’s interlocking pledges to ‘level up’ society; significantly increase disability-free life years, while reducing inequalities; to improve mental health; reduce obesity and alcohol harm; and to end smoking.

The six tests are:

Test 1: Sufficient and secure funding to scale up health improvement interventions

Test 2: Sufficient high-quality public health experts in health protection, health improvement and healthcare public health functions

Test 3: The commitment and infrastructure to deliver health improvement at national, regional and local level

Test 4: A stronger health intelligence function which supports both health improvement and health protection and underpins accountability

Test 5: Improved co-ordination between the NHS and local government

Test 6: Strong relationships across health protection and health improvement across all four nations of the UK

Download the full statement including the detailed tests here.