Case studies

An interview with Dr Arif Rajpura, Director of Public Health, Blackpool council.

Although winter weather and snow can be fun for some, these weather conditions are also associated with an increase in illness and injuries. Cold weather increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung illnesses, flu and other diseases. People slip and fall in the snow or ice, sometimes suffering serious injuries.

Gloucestershire County Council set up a rapid testing centre at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester in early December, before launching one in the community.

Set up two ‘rapid’ community testing sites in Boston to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 in residents who are asymptomatic.

Public health's role in local government and NHS integration (6 case studies) by the LGA and the Association of Directors of Public Health.

This compilation of case studies shows how local authorities are continuing to make progress on improving health and wellbeing and tackling health inequalities since public health was formally transferred in April 2013. It follows last year's compilation, Public health transformation nine months on: bedding in and reaching out.

Public health made the formal transfer to local government in April 2013, and in the subsequent months great strides have been made to tackle the wider social and economic determinants of poor health.

The transfer of responsibility for areas of public health in April 2013 from the NHS to local government is one of the most significant extensions of local government powers and duties in a generation. It represents a unique opportunity to change the focus from treating sickness to actively promoting health and wellbeing (the prevention agenda).

Portsmouth’s sexual health workforce has been upskilling frontline staff from other services to have healthy conversations about sexual health and in particular pregnancy planning. Staff including midwives, health visitors and social care workers have all received tailored training.

The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid Vaccination Programme, which incorporates local government public health representation, has set up an inequalities sub-group to its strategic board, which has been looking at those that are a particular risk of not taking up the vaccine.