Public health
NHS Confederation chief rejects call for councils to take health role
Dramatic proposals to devolve health responsibilities to local authorities have been rejected by NHS Confederation chief executive officer Matthew Taylor.
Public health directors call for better regulation of private rented sector
Public health directors have welcomed measures aimed at improving social housing but called for more action to tackle poor conditions in the private sector.
4 wheel drive woman on... health
Darling, I know it is a fairtrade organic vegan chocolate egg from Whole Foods, so it’s very healthy, but it’s your fourth family-sized egg today.
Reducing infant mortality in Sheffield
No one element made the difference when it came to reducing Sheffield’s disproportionately high infant mortality rates, says Greg Fell – instead a 20-year commitment reaped incredible rewards.
When prevention is the real cure
Greg Fell draws from examples across the British Isles to highlight some of the work done by directors of public health to support residents to lead longer and healthier lives.
Daring to be bold
The MJ’s series on building a new vision for local government, drawing from the 2007 Lyons Review, continues as Piali Das Gupta looks at how councils can do hard things successfully. 'We should have every confidence in the strength of our offer.'
An appetite for change in Durham
Kelly Rose says tackling health inequalities is the key focus of Durham County Council’s work to improve access to healthier food, alongside promoting low carbon diets.
Better food policies for councils’ menus
Ahead of the local elections in May, and in the context of a council funding crisis, Sofia Parente looks at the levers candidates can use to ensure better food policies are priorities.
Taking public health right to the top
Many directors of public health have the leadership approach, experience and technical ability to make excellent chief executives and they need the opportunities to reach the top role, says Julia Weldon.
Dover issues s114 warning over funding withdrawal
A council could be at risk of issuing a section 114 notice if it is left to shoulder the costs of port biosecurity checks.
‘Bad health blackspots’ hold back growth
Stark health inequalities are restricting economic growth, new research has found.
Why climate change is health’s biggest threat
The health risks from climate change are considerable, but directors of public health are ideally placed to ensure initiatives are implemented in the right way, to the right people, say Greg Fell and Darrell Gale.
The asylum mess needs cleaning up
'The current conditions in some asylum hotels make the prospect of Rwanda look like a soft option', says Heather Jameson. 'Hounslow has been heroic in highlighting the problems local staff have seen.'
Damning reality of asylum
Shocking public health report by Hounslow LBC exposes bleak conditions as councils urge Home Office and contractors to improve
Putting health first across the council
With entries now open for The MJ Achievement Awards 2024, there is a great chance to celebrate the work councils are doing to create healthy places, say Katherine Merrifield and Gwen Nightingale.
Prevention is still better than cure
Solving the public health crisis means preventing the next one, and looking beyond the NHS, according to Ruth Luscombe.
Beware the rise of conspiracy theories in our local politics
Conspiracy theories thrive in the absence of transparency and effective communication, says Jessica Studdert. 'Part of the answer must lie in more, not fewer opportunities for public participation in decisions and building buy-in over trade-offs.'
King's Speech: Increased funding for mental health and smoking cessation
The King’s Speech has promised ministers will invest at least £2.3bn a year so an extra two million people can get mental health support.
Dealing with weather’s extremes
Maria Van-Hove and Dr Charlotte Parbery-Clark look at how local authorities in the UK can support actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change, highlighting examples of good practice .
Lansley critcises public health funding levels
The architect of the transfer of public health to local government has blamed the failure of budgets to grow for stunting the move’s benefits.