Public Health And Social Health - 1983 Words

Public health was defined in 1988 by Sir Donald Acheson who described it as the science of promoting health, preventing disease and prolonging life through the organised efforts of society (Acheson 1988). It is through research and surveillance that an understanding of healthcare needs on a society level are obtained, leading to planning interventions to improve health outcomes (Department of Health, (DH) 2012). However, the Marmot report ‘Fair society healthy lives’ (2010) identified vast inequalities in health with an average life expectancy gap of seven years between the poorest and richest communities and an alarming seventeen years of disability free, living gap. This meant that those in the poorest communities would not only have†¦show more content†¦From the findings and recommendations of the Marmot report ‘Fair society healthy lives’ (2010) the government responded detailing plans for a reform. ‘Healthy lives, Healthy people: Our strategy for public health in England.’ was published in 2010 that outlined plans for a new service, ‘Public Health England’, which replaced the complex structures that existed and for local governments to become responsible and accountable for public health within their communities. Public health priorities locally are now based upon a joint strategic needs assessment (produced by local health an d well-being boards) and national requirements set out by public health outcomes framework, which is supported by the new service ‘Public Health England’ (Department of Health, 2013) Midwifery practice has a profound impact on public health, influencing current and future maternal and neonatal health (Biro, 2009). Midwives play an important role within public health providing risk assessment, referring for specialized services, provision of antenatal and newborn screening including immunizations programmes, smoking cessation, parent education and promotion of breastfeeding (Department of Health, 2013, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2009). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provide guidance on