Public health
Ready for the resolution
At the opening of 2022, Ann McGauran and Heather Jameson look at what the coming year may bring – all the priorities and the unresolved policy problems that will make up our New Year's resolutions.
No holiday for Solihull’s council COVID ‘army’
As the Omicron variant started to take hold over the holidays, Solihull MBC mobilised its multi-disciplinary COVID ‘army’ to monitor and react to a fast-moving situation, says Ruth Tennant.
Sandwell calls for action on test shortage
A council has written to ministers after it was forced to step in to alleviate a shortage of COVID testing kits.
We need action to tackle the imminent public health workforce shortages
Nick Raper at Penna says there is a need to attract and retain diverse, talented and qualified individuals in better numbers in public health.
This is a pivotal moment for ending rough sleeping
The next phase of the pandemic presents a new challenge to rise to – ensuring that we seize every opportunity to end rough sleeping for good, says chief executive of London Councils Alison Griffin.
Getting food supply fit for the future
Carol Ford and David Godfrey say we need to look local when it comes to creating a better food system – and they outline how partners in Kent are pulling together to tackle a range of risks.
Conquering vaccine hesitancy
Emily Morrison looks at the results of a comparative UK-USA study of vaccine engagement to find out if a community engagement approach can improve take-up rates and build trust.
What does living with COVID really mean for local government?
We’re not just living with the virus itself, but with the knock-on effects, says Zina Etheridge.
Hanukkah at Heathrow
Hanukkah didn’t go entirely according to plan for one London director of public health. Newham LBC’s Jason Strelitz ended up stuck in a quarantine hotel at Heathrow after returning from a trip to Malawi.
HMJ: Domestic abuse to be treated as seriously as knife crime
A change to the Serious Violence Duty will ensure a public health approach is taken to tackling domestic abuse and sexual offences, the Government has announced.
HMJ: Smoking could kill two million more people by 2041
Two million people could die over the next 20 years unless there is radical action to reduce smoking rates, according to new research.
HMJ: Action plan to end new HIV infections by 2030
The Government has been urged to provide extra funding and more support services for all people living with HIV following the publication of its new HIV action plan.
HMJ: Health visitors highlight unsafe and unmanageable caseloads
More than four in 10 health visitors have warned in a new survey they are unable to safeguard vulnerable babies and young children as services are so over-stretched.
HMJ: The inextricable link between wealth and health
Katherine Merrifield and Gwen Nightingale, assistant directors of healthy lives at the Health Foundation, warn a cross-government strategy is needed to improve the country’s health and tackle health inequalities.
Give districts an equal voice in county deals
Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen explains why district councils want to have an equal voice in developing county deals and be an active partner in delivering them.
Closing the COVID gaps
Stopping communities sinking further into the inequalities that have been widened by the pandemic requires a whole system approach, says Rachel Flowers.
Staffordshire councils agree county deal proposals
Nine Staffordshire councils have pledged to pursue a county deal.
Coventry restructure after trio depart
Coventry City Council is to restructure its top team following the news of three senior departures, including the retirement of deputy chief executive Gail Quinton.
Preparation is key
Cllr Carl Jackson outlines how Buckinghamshire Council is attempting to tackle the latest COVID-19 challenge to hit the area.
Whitty fears public may ignore restrictions
England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty has voiced concerns the public may not comply with future COVID-19 restrictions if they become necessary.
