Step change in government action needed to improve health: report

Although progress has been made through efforts to improve public health in recent years, a "step change" in government action is needed on a wide front to help individuals take greater responsibility for their health, according to a report published today.

The report, 'Securing Good Health for the Whole Population', by Derek Wanless, contains more than 20 recommendations to government on implementing cost-effective approaches to improving population health, prevention, and reducing health inequalities.

The report's chief recommendation is for government to set a "consistent set of national objectives" for the key risk factors such as smoking, physical activity and obesity.

The ultimate goal, said Mr Wanless, is to create a 'fully engaged' scenario – ie. a reduction in numbers of people becoming ill, rather than treating the illness itself.

Mr Wanless said that individuals were primarily responsible for their own and their families' health, but the government had a "major role" in the process.

"The step change needed will require strong leadership and organisation in public health delivery, and access to high quality, personalised information, advice and increased support to help individuals take vital health and lifestyle decisions," he said.

Alongside government-led action toward achieving a more effective delivery framework for health service providers nationally and locally, the report sees an "enhanced role" for schools, local authorities and other public sector agencies, employers, and private and voluntary sector providers in developing opportunities for individuals to play their part in securing better health.

In April 2003, Mr Wanless was invited to prepare the current report to government to provide an update on the challenges involved in achieving the 'fully engaged' scenario, in particular the public health aspects.

Derek Wanless' first report 'Securing our Future Health: Taking a Long-Term View' was published in April 2002. This identified three scenarios for meeting the long-term financial and resource needs of the NHS for the next two decades, to 2022.

(gmcg)