RSPH

Following Andrew Lansley’s announcement yesterday, the Royal Society for Public Health welcomes publication of the Public Health Outcomes Framework. The' Outcomes Framework' will provide a focus for action and enable progress on key health issues to be measured. It adds to public transparency and accountability.

 

As always, success will be determined by our ability to translate policy and intent into effective implementation. Speaking immediately after the Secretary of State's announcement, Professor Richard parish, Chief Executive of the RSPH, said "The Outcomes Framework helps clarify the direction of travel, but we all have to play our part in delivering these outcomes - local government, national government, the NHS, charities, and business. I welcome Mr. Lansley's commitment to the mix of partnerships across sectors, including voluntary agreements, where practical, and national regulation, where necessary. This is line with the evidence about 'what works'. We need to use all the 'tools in the toolbox' if we are to make a real impact on health in the future".

The Secretary of State's speech highlights a very clear role for Third Sector bodies, something that the Royal Society for Public Health has articulated since publication of the Government's White Paper on Public Health, 'Healthy Lives, Healthy People'. Third Sector contribution is increasingly evident in both the delivery of local services and at the national level. We would like to see a number of national charities formally recognised as Centres of Excellence under the new public health arrangements.

The RSPH warmly welcomes Mr. Lansley's acknowledgement of the essential role of Directors of Public Health (DPH). The Royal Society has championed the case for 'Chief Officer' status in local government and applauds the decision to provide the DPH with the necessary authority to make a real impact on the health of local communities. We also welcome the decision on statutory regulation for non-medical public health specialists, thereby ensuring that all consultant level appointments will be fully regulated by statute. This will add to public confidence and safety.

A number of the changes announced by the Secretary of State have been part of an active dialogue the RSPH and other national bodies have had with Government over many months. We are delighted to see public endorsement by the Secretary of State for many of these principles. RSPH Chair, Dr. Selwyn Hodge said, "we are pleased to have played a key role in bringing these announcements to the attention of both professionals and public alike".

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