Public health works across communities and populations rather than at the level of the individual. It emphasises collective responsibility for health, its protection and disease prevention. Key to this is the recognition of the key role of the state, linked to a concern for the underlying socio-economic and wider determinants of health, as well as disease. Partnership working with all those who contribute to the health of the population is a main aim of public health action at all levels – nationally, regionally and locally.
More information on the national picture
In practice this means:
- Working with regional and local government and local National Health
Service bodies to ensure that all of the contributory factors to both ill
health and better health are recognised and addressed in policies and
activities. For example we are working to improve the region's health by
tackling obesity and increasing the levels of activity. The West Midlands
has a significant obesity problem, with the highest proportion of females
aged 16-24 years, who are either overweight or obese (37.9%). The main
factors associated with these rising levels of obesity, particularly among
children, are poor diet and an inactive lifestyle.
- Developing the wider public health group including working in close
partnership with West Midlands Public Health Observatory (WMPHO).
- Ensuring that the public have confidence in what the NHS does. This
includes working with partner organisations such as the Health Protection
Agency at all levels as well as local NHS bodies including NHS West
Midlands, NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts to ensure that areas where
there is a risk of loss of public confidence are effectively managed.
- Supporting the NHS by providing professional leadership development,
advice and intervention where appropriate.
For more information please contact the Department of Health (West
Midlands).
Dignity Action Day - Thursday 25th February 2010
Dignity Action Day is to be held on Thursday 25th February 2010 and is
organised and supported by the Dignity in Care Campaign and its stakeholder
members. Dignity Action day asks everybody - members of the public and
Health and Social Care staff to give the gift of time and the day gives
everyone the opportunity to contribute to upholding people's rights to
dignity and provide a truly memorable day for people receiving care.
Dignity Action Day aims to ensure people in care are treated as
individuals, are given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their
daily lives and provide stimulating activities. Everyone can make a
difference!
Supporting Dignity Action Day will:
- Raise awareness of the importance of Dignity in Care
- Provide someone with an extra special day
- Remind society that the dignity of those in your community is not the
sole responsibility of health or social care staff- everyone has a role to
play
- Remind the public that staff have a right to be treated with dignity and
respect too
- Be part of a national celebration and demonstrate solidarity for Dignity
in Care
To find out how you can get involved take a look at the on-line resource
packs with ideas of how you can contribute to Dignity Action
Day.
Once you have decided how you will support Dignity Action Day remember to
share your idea to encourage and inspire others.
Members of the public/community groups wishing to get involved
can pledge their individual volunteering time .
