Public health move puts health and wellbeing firmly on the agenda

Date published: 25 November 2011

The transfer of Bury’s public health function from the NHS to the Local Authority took an important step forward this week, signaling the strength of the relationship between the NHS and the Council that has paved the way for early progress to be made.

The change forms part of national plans to reform health and social care, putting the health and well being of people living in Bury firmly on the agenda.

The public health team have relocated to Council premises at Knowsley Place. The move symbolises a first step in the transfer of public health from NHS Bury to the Local Authority. The full transfer of the function will be a gradual process over the coming months, with the Local Authority fully taking over the reins from NHS Bury from April 2013.

The overarching function of public health is to protect and improve population health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. The role of the public health team is varied and includes work under the broad headings of health improvement, health protection and health services.

For a number of years, the Director of Public Health in Bury, Dr. Peter Elton, has been a joint role between NHS Bury and the Local Authority.

Talking of this first step in the transition of public health, Dr. Peter Elton Director of Public Health for Bury said: “The early transfer of the public health role and function symbolises the strength of our robust working relationship, we are ready to tackle the wider changes and challenges that lay ahead. Under the leadership of the Local Authority, public health will be in a strong position to influence and shape services across public, private and voluntary sectors to deliver improved health and wellbeing in our communities.”

Ruth Fairhurst, Deputy Chief Executive for the Local Authority added: “Bringing the Public Health function into the Local Authority will place the team in an ideal position to tackle all of our public health problems. By joining up the local work done by the NHS, social care, housing, environmental health, transport and leisure services, and by focussing on public health at a local level, we will be best placed to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.”

Cllr. Mike Connolly, Leader of the Council said: “We are delighted to welcome our colleagues from public health in the NHS into their new home. Through this move Peter and his team will be better placed to champion local co-operation so that health issues are considered alongside other social issues. The team will be able to influence investment decisions right across the Local Authority, with the goal of enhancing health and well-being. It’s an exciting step for the team and the future public health function in Bury and I wish them well in their future endeavours.”