The Chief Medical Officer for Wales published his annual report for 2007.
Source: Annual Report 2007, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: Report | WAG press release
Date: 2008-Dec
An annual report examined the latest trends in public health in England. Obesity levels had increased – from 13 per cent for men and 16 per cent for women in 1993, to 24 per cent for both men and women in 2007. Among boys and girls aged 2-15, the proportion who were obese had increased between 1995 and 2007 – from 11 per cent to 17 per cent among boys, and from 12 per cent to 16 per cent among girls. But smoking rates had continued to decline.
Source: Health Survey for England 2007: Latest trends, NHS Information Centre (0845 300 6016)
Links: Report | DH press release | UCL press release | Telegraph report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Dec
The government announced (following consultation) proposals for a crackdown on 'irresponsible' retail practices in the selling of alcohol. It also published the second part of a research study that found that alcohol pricing policies were effective in reducing alcohol-related health, crime, and social costs.
Source: Press release 3 December 2008, Department of Health (020 7210 4850) | Alan Brennan et al., Independent Review of the Effects of Alcohol Pricing and Promotion: Part B, Department of Health
Links: DH press release | Consultation responses | Research report | Alcohol Policy UK press release | BMA press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Dec
Researchers examined the best available evidence about the differential effects of population tobacco control interventions on groups with different socio-demographic characteristics. Increasing the price of tobacco was the population-level intervention for which there was strongest evidence as a measure for reducing smoking-related inequalities in health.
Source: Debra Fayter et al., Population Tobacco Control Interventions and Their Effects on Social Inequalities in Smoking, Report 39, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination/University of York (01904 321458)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Dec
The government announced (following consultation) plans to remove cigarette displays in shops and prevent underage access to vending machines.
Source: House of Commons Hansard, Written Ministerial Statement 9 December 2008, columns 46-47WS, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Hansard | DH press release | Consultation responses | Kings Fund press release | BMA press release | BBC report | Guardian report | FT report | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Dec
A report examined levels of public awareness in England of official advice on healthy lifestyles. Fewer than 1 in 10 people (6 per cent of men and 9 per cent of women) knew the existing recommendations for physical activity. More women than men knew that five portions of fruit and vegetables should be eaten each day (78 per cent of women against 62 per cent of men).
Source: Health Survey for England 2007: Healthy lifestyles – Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour, NHS Information Centre (0845 300 6016)
Links: Report | Telegraph report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Dec
An annual report examined food and drink purchases by households, based on data collected in the Expenditure and Food Survey. It presented trends in average levels of food purchases by type of food and demographic characteristics, and converted these into average energy and nutrient intake. Much of the data for 2007 supported already existing, often slow, trends showing a reduction in household purchases of less healthy foods. New data showed a drop in average energy intake per person.
Source: Family Food: A report on the 2007 Expenditure and Food Survey, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (08459 556000)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Dec
The health and safety at work inspectorate began consultation on a new strategy. It said that the review had been prompted by a range of factors, including: the recent slowing of improvement in Great Britain's health and safety performance; the changing industrial landscape, with an increase in the number of small businesses and the self-employed; the different risks posed by new sectors; and the need to regain the health and safety 'brand' from those who misused it to 'proliferate bureaucracy'.
Source: The Health and Safety of Great Britain: Be part of the solution, Health and Safety Executive (0845 345 0055)
Links: Consultation document | HSE press release | TUC press release | IOSH press release
Date: 2008-Dec
A think-tank report examined the effectiveness of different types of public health programmes to tackle smoking, alcohol misuse, poor diet, and lack of exercise. The National Health Service would fail to tackle the rising tide of obesity- and tobacco-related illnesses unless it adopted more sophisticated techniques, including those employed by commercial advertisers, to help people to live healthier lifestyles.
Source: Tammy Boyce, Ruth Robertson and Anna Dixon, Commissioning and Behaviour Change, King's Fund (020 7307 2591)
Links: Report | King's Fund press release | RCN press release | Conservative Party press release
Date: 2008-Dec
Scotland's Chief Medical Officer published his annual report for 2007.
Source: Health in Scotland 2007: Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer, Scottish Government, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Report | SG press release
Date: 2008-Dec
The Scottish Government published a plan for tackling the physical and social environments that caused stress, damaged health and well-being, and led to inequalities.
Source: Good Places, Better Health: A New Approach to Environment and Health in Scotland – Implementation Plan, Scottish Government (web publication only)
Links: Plan
Date: 2008-Dec
A think-tank paper examined the public health challenge posed by increasing levels of obesity, and the policy response to it.
Source: Weighing In: Dealing with the challenge of obesity, Policy Exchange (020 7340 2650)
Links: Paper
Date: 2008-Nov
The government published its response to the Black report on the health of the working-age population, published in March 2008. It set out proposals to replace the paper-based 'sick note' with an electronic 'fit note', and pilots for 'Fit for Work' services that would support people on a period of sickness absence to return to work. Other proposals included establishing a National Centre for Working-Age Health and Well-Being – this would form an independent, authoritative body providing a range of core functions related to the health and well-being of working-age people.
Source: Improving Health and Work: Changing Lives, Cm 7492, Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Health, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report | DWP/DH press release | Black report | TUC press release | BMA press release | IOSH press release | Mind press release | SCMH press release | CSP press release | CIPD press release | TSN press release | RCN press release | Personnel Today report | Telegraph report | BBC report | Pulse report
Date: 2008-Nov
An article said that more streamlined interaction between public funders and policy-makers could help drive public research and development investment towards under-researched areas such as prevention, equity, and access, and strengthen the evidence base that underpinned official guidance and broader clinical and public health practice.
Source: Kalipso Chalkidou, Anthony Culyer, Peter Littlejohns, Nick Doyle and Andrew Hoy, 'Imbalances in funding for clinical and public health research in the UK: can NICE research recommendations make a difference?', Evidence & Policy, Volume 4 Number 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Nov
An article analyzed provisional estimated figures for excess winter mortality for the winter period 2007-08, and final figures for the winter period 2006-07, for deaths occurring in England and Wales. In the four months of winter 2007-08 there were an estimated 25,300 more deaths in England and Wales than in the non-winter period. This was more than in the previous winter, and similar to the winter of 2005-06: but not as many as in the winter of 2004-05. There were just over 1,500 more excess winter deaths in 2007-08 than in 2006-07, an increase of 7 per cent.
Source: Anita Brock, 'Excess winter mortality in England and Wales, 2007/08 (provisional) and 2006/07 (final)', Health Statistics Quarterly 40, Winter 2008, Office for National Statistics, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Article | ONS press release
Date: 2008-Nov
An article said that one of the main problems of public health initiatives was that the costs of most unhealthy activities were felt in the future, whereas the benefits from them occurred in the present. Policies had to be developed that either brought some of the costs from unhealthy activities (or the benefits from healthy ones) back from the future, or reduced some of the benefits from unhealthy activities (or reduce the costs of healthy ones) in the present. To avoid the danger of the 'nanny state', they should also not affect individual freedom or autonomy too greatly. Promising ideas that met these criteria included smoking permits and exercise hours.
Source: Julian Le Grand, 'The giants of excess: a challenge to the nation's health', Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series A, Volume 171 Issue 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Oct
A report identified public health interventions that the evidence suggested were both effective and cost-effective. They included drug therapies for smoking cessation; school-based programmes for obesity prevention; brief interventions in primary care for high-risk drinkers; school-based programmes to prevent illicit drug use; individual risk-counselling to reduce sexually transmitted infections; screening for STIs coupled with treatment; vaccinations for influenza for the elderly; and fall prevention programmes for the elderly.
Source: Prioritising Investments in Public Health, Matrix Knowledge Group (020 7684 5777) and Bazian
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Oct
The Scottish Government announced that all school pupils in primary school years 1-3 (aged 5-7) would be entitled to free school meals following successful pilot schemes. The system would be rolled out from August 2010.
Source: Press release 2 October 2008, Scottish Government (0131 556 8400) | Jane MacLardie, Chris Martin, Lorraine Murray and Kate Sewel, Evaluation of the Free School Meals Trial for P1 to P3 Pupils, Scottish Government (web publication only)
Links: SG press release | Evaluation report | CPAG press release | UNISON press release | NASUWT press release | Voice press release | Scotsman report | BBC report | Telegraph report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Oct
The Welsh Assembly government published a ten-year strategy aimed at reducing the harm caused by alcohol, drugs, and other substances.
Source: Working Together to Reduce Harm: The substance misuse strategy for Wales 2008-2018, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: Strategy | WAG press release
Date: 2008-Oct
A literature review examined the effectiveness of partnerships in improving health and tackling health inequalities through local area agreements. Area-based partnership initiatives did not achieve better improvements to population health than in comparator areas. However, there was some evidence that partnership working had helped broaden organizational understanding of the wider determinants of health, and/or promoted the issue of health inequalities on the agendas of some organizations.
Source: Katherine Smith et al., Partnerships in Public Health: A Healthy Outcome? Summary findings of a systematic literature review, School of Medicine and Health/Durham University (0191 33 40210)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Oct
A study found that the natural environment – including allotments, urban parks, woodland, lakes, mountains, rivers, and the sea – could play a key role in improving public health and well-being.
Source: Pat Davies and Jenny Deaville, Natural Heritage: A Pathway to Health, Countryside Council for Wales (0845 1306 229)
Links: Report | CCW press release
Date: 2008-Oct
An audit report said that efforts by the National Health Service in England to tackle alcohol misuse were 'not in general well-planned'.
Source: Reducing Alcohol Harm: Health services in England for alcohol misuse, HC 1049 (Session 2007-08), National Audit Office, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report | NAO press release | Alcohol Concern press release | RCP press release | BBC report | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Oct
A report sought to identify the most effective and cost-effective health-led parenting support services and programmes in pregnancy and the first three years of life.
Source: Jane Barlow et al., Health-led Parenting Interventions in Pregnancy and Early Years, Research Report RW070, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Oct
A report called on the government to introduce tough measures in its forthcoming tobacco control plan. Recommendations included: requiring plain packaging for all tobacco products; prohibiting the display of tobacco products in shops; clamping down on smuggling; and giving smokers access to safer non-tobacco alternatives to smoking.
Source: Beyond 'Smoking Kills': Protecting children, reducing inequalities, Action on Smoking and Health (020 7739 5902)
Links: Report | ASH press release | Cancer Research UK press release | RCPsych press release | RCN press release | NCB press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Oct
The government announced a pilot scheme under which primary school children in deprived areas would be given free healthy school meals.
Source: Press release 24 September 2008, Department of Health (020 7210 4850)
Links: DH press release | School Food Trust press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Sep
A report examined the impact of volunteering on health. Volunteering could help people live longer and was good for their health and well-being. It also had a positive effect on people's self-esteem; helped to reduce the number of hospital visits; and could help fight depression, stress, and pain.
Source: Rachel Casiday, Eileen Kinsman, Clare Fisher and Clare Bambra, Volunteering and Health: What impact does it really have?, Volunteering England (0845 305 6979)
Links: Report | Summary | Volunteering England press release
Date: 2008-Sep
An article examined the utility of a method to construct virtual area models that could be used as 'controls' in the quasi-experimental evaluation of an urban regeneration initiative; and the availability of appropriate health outcome data to populate such models.
Source: Sarafina Cotterill, Jayne Parry, Matthew Richardson and Jonathan Mathers, 'Quasi-experimental evaluation of the health impacts of the New Deal for Communities urban regeneration scheme', Critical Public Health, Volume 18 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Sep
A report said that quality of employment had an impact on health, life expectancy and life chances. In addition, some important policy objectives also depended on the creation of more high-quality employment: for example, it was difficult to see how the 80 per cent employment rate target could be met if so many low-skilled employees found themselves in 'bad work'. The United Kingdom performed well on some dimensions of job quality and poorly on others: job security was higher than many other European Union countries, but there was a higher percentage of employees working more than 48 hours per week.
Source: David Coats with Rohit Lehki, 'Good Work': Job quality in a changing economy, Work Foundation (0870 165 6700)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Sep
Researchers examined the impact of involving members of the public and community groups in Wales in health impact assessment.
Source: Chloe Chadderton, Eva Elliott and Gareth Williams, Involving the Public in HIA: An evaluation of current practice in Wales, Working Paper 116, School of Social Sciences/Cardiff University (029 2087 5179)
Date: 2008-Sep
An article examined the economic evidence relating to planning, design, delivery, and governance of health promotion interventions. There was tentative evidence that community engagement as part of a multifaceted approach to health promotion might have positive effects and could be cost-effective. To improve the evidence base for community engagement, future studies needed to involve communities more closely at all stages of the research, in order to fully capture the community's priorities and perspectives, and appropriately assess the value added and opportunity cost of engagement.
Source: Anne Mason, Roy Carr Hill, Lindsey Myers and Andrew Street, 'Establishing the economics of engaging communities in health promotion: what is desirable, what is feasible?', Critical Public Health, Volume 18 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Sep
A report examined the importance of engaging communities in health promotion and health services, and the health benefits that this could bring.
Source: Fiona Campbell with Liam Hughes and Tim Gilling, Reaching Out: Community engagement and health, Improvement and Development Agency (020 7296 6693)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Aug
An article examined the role of sex education within the family context. Even though parents wanted to talk to their children about topics related to sexual behaviour, they felt embarrassed and uncomfortable, and had neither the skills nor the knowledge to do so. There was a need for sex and relationship education parent programmes to ensure that the information being taught at school could be reinforced in the family home.
Source: Triece Turnbull, Anna van Wersch and Paul van Schaik, 'A review of parental involvement in sex education: the role for effective communication in British families', Health Education Journal, Volume 67 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Aug
The Chief Medical Officer published his annual report for 2007. He called for a new focus on teenage health. Although the majority of teenagers coped well, large numbers of teenagers took part in high-risk behaviours such as binge drinking, drug taking, and unsafe sex. He recommended that the legal blood alcohol level limit for drivers aged 17-20 should be reduced to zero. A government-backed project was announced which was designed to improve the care young people received from the health service.
Source: On the State of Public Health: 2007 Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Medical Officer/Department of Health (08701 555455) | Press release 14 July 2008, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (020 7092 6000)
Links: Report | DH press release | BMA press release | PSI press release | Liberal Democrats press release (1) | Liberal Democrats press release (2) | RCPCH press release | Guardian report (1) | Guardian report (2) | BBC report
Date: 2008-Jul
A briefing paper examined past and future trends in public health and the National Health Service. By 2068, the NHS would be serving a population of more than 80 million people, one-quarter of whom would be over 65. This population would be healthier, with significant reductions in mortality. By then it was possible that the state would have given up much of its ownership of hospitals. A new mixed ownership of competitive healthcare providers was arguably the logical direction of travel on existing trends.
Source: John Appleby and Ruth Thorlby, In the Beginning: Determinants of health, King's Fund (020 7307 2591)
Links: Briefing
Date: 2008-Jul
A think-tank report examined the need to increase public engagement in personal health issues – influencing lifestyle trends and ultimately demand for health services. Encouraging greater awareness of health issues could bring significant economic dividends: but equally there would be heavy economic costs if people failed to engage with the health agenda.
Source: Christopher Exeter (ed.), Health and Healthy Living, Smith Institute (020 7592 3618)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Jul
An independent review examined the effectiveness of the alcoholic drinks industry's 'social responsibility standards' in contributing to a reduction in alcohol harm in England. It said that the standards were not being consistently adopted and applied across the whole of the alcohol industry, and were having 'negligible impact' in either reducing bad practice or promoting good practice on the ground.
Source: KPMG LLP, Review of the Social Responsibility Standards for the Production and Sale of Alcoholic Drinks, Home Office (0870 000 1585)
Links: Report part 1 | Report part 2 | Report part 3 | DH press release | CPH press release | Portman Group press release | Liberal Democrats press release | BBC report | Telegraph report | FT report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Jul
A report called for a range of tough measures aimed at reducing young people's exposure to positive images of smoking.
Source: Forever Cool: The influence of smoking imagery on young people, British Medical Association (020 7387 4499)
Links: Report | BMA press release
Date: 2008-Jul
Researchers found that the family-nurse partnership programme was helping to improve the life chances of vulnerable babies, young children, and their families. Piloting of the programme began in ten areas in England in April 2007: family nurses provided intensive home visiting for vulnerable first-time young parents, working with them from early pregnancy until the child was 2 years old.
Source: Jacqueline Barnes, Mog Ball, Pamela Meadows, Jenny McLeish and Jay Belsky, Nurse-Family Partnership Programme: First year pilot sites implementation in England – Pregnancy and the post-partum period, Research Report RW051, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Report | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Jul
A report (published by an official advisory body) examined the impact of the national strategy for sexual health and HIV since its launch In 2001. Care in England was extremely patchy, with many family doctors not offering adequate help to patients. More effective local delivery needed to be supported by continued national action on a number of fronts, including stronger interdepartmental links to ensure more consistent cross-governmental policy in tackling the wider determinants of sexual health.
Source: Helen Christophers, Sue Mann and Ruth Lowbury, Progress and Priorities: Working together for high quality sexual health – Review of the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV, Independent Advisory Group for Sexual Health and HIV (Sexual_Health_IAG@dh.gsi.gov.uk)
Links: Report | NAT press release | Christian Institute press release | Liberal Democrats press release | Telegraph report | BBC report
Date: 2008-Jul
A new book examined the contemporary social relations of gender and women's health. The once all-important sex/gender distinction fostered an 'undue separation' between the social and the biological: whereas it was their interaction and flexibility that was important in the production of health and illness.
Source: Ellen Annandale, Women's Health and Social Change, Routledge (01264 343071)
Links: Summary
Date: 2008-Jul
A report examined the impact of the law banning smoking in public places, one year after it was introduced in England in July 2007. Research among businesses and consumers clearly suggested that people had quickly adapted to, and were benefiting from, the new law.
Source: Smokefree England: One Year On, Department of Health (08701 555455)
Links: Report | DH press release | TUC press release | UCL press release | Cancer Research UK press release
Date: 2008-Jul
The government began consultation on proposals to curb the 'drinking culture' in England. The existing voluntary retailing code could became mandatory, meaning that retailers would have to restrict the way alcohol was sold, and restrict 'happy hours' or irresponsible price-based promotions.
Source: Safe, Sensible, Social: Consultation on further action, Department of Health (08701 555455)
Links: Consultation document | DH press release | CPH press release | Alcohol Concern press release | Portman Group press release | BMA press release | RCP/AHA press release | BBC report | Guardian report | FT report
Date: 2008-Jul
A joint inspectorate report examined the impact government policy had had on narrowing health inequalities; improving sexual and mental health; and reducing smoking, alcohol misuse, and obesity. The government's public health programme had helped to significantly improve overall life expectancy and reduce mortality from the big killers. There had also been advances in tackling smoking, and improving sexual health, two areas where health inequalities were significant. Teenage conceptions were at their lowest level in over 20 years. But these rates of improvement had not been matched in the areas of alcohol misuse and obesity.
Source: Are We Choosing Health? The impact of policy on the delivery of health improvement programmes and services, Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection (020 7448 9200) and Audit Commission
Links: Report | CHAI press release | NHS Confederation press release | Liberal Democrats press release | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Jul
A report presented findings from the first national mapping survey of on-site sexual health services in secondary and further education settings in England. 'Good progress' had been made in making sexual health services more accessible to young people.
Source: Lucy Emmerson, National Mapping of On-site Sexual Health Services in Education Settings: Provision in schools and pupil referral units in England, Sex Education Forum/National Children's Bureau (020 7843 6045)
Links: Report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Jun
An article examined the regulation of environmental health risks in smaller enterprises. It critically examined the new policy of shifting resources from enforcement to education; the limitations of comprehensive risk assessment applied to targeting enforcement; uncertainties relating to the potential of alternative means of achieving compliance and the adoption of good practice; and the over-emphasis in simplification exercises on the achievement of narrowly defined cost savings.
Source: Ian Vickers, 'Better regulation and enterprise: the case of environmental health risk regulation in Britain', Policy Studies, Volume 29 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Jun
The government published an action plan designed to stop young people drinking in public; help them make the right decisions about alcohol; and provide clear information to parents and young people about the risks of early drinking.
Source: Youth Alcohol Action Plan, Cm 7387, Department for Children, Schools and Families, TSO (0870 600 5522), Home Office and Department of Health
Links: Action plan | DCSF press release | Alcohol Concern press release | Turning Point press release | NCH press release | RCP press release | ACPO press release | Portman Group press release | Guardian report | BBC report | Telegraph report | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Jun
An article examined the need for greater conceptual clarity in relation to health, using the term 'well-being' as an exemplar. A lack of attention to health concepts and their clarification, as indicated by the use of 'well-being' as an ill-defined 'tag' to health, was having a negative impact on public health's ability to deliver health gain.
Source: Elaine Cameron, Jonathan Mathers and Jayne Parry, '"Health and well-being": questioning the use of health concepts in public health policy and practice', Critical Public Health, Volume 18 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Jun
The government published health profiles for every local authority and region across England, highlighting significant geographical disparities.
Source: Press release 23 June 2008, Department of Health (020 7210 4850)
Links: DH press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Jun
A survey of the health of lesbian and bisexual women found 'deeply disturbing' levels of self-harm, substance abuse, and exclusion from routine testing for cervical cancer. Health services were failing to identify specific healthcare needs among the lesbian population, and failing to address specific mental health needs experienced as a result of discrimination.
Source: Ruth Hunt and Julie Fish, Prescription for Change: Lesbian and bisexual women's health check 2008, Stonewall (020 7881 9440)
Links: Report | Stonewall press release
Date: 2008-Jun
The health and safety at work inspectorate published its annual report for 2007-08.
Source: Annual Report 2007/08, HC 579, Health and Safety Executive, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Jun
A report examined the impact that benefits advice could have on the health and well-being of older people. Health services staff felt that links with advice services 'added value', and could also reduce demand for health services.
Source: Neil Bateman, Just What the Doctor Ordered: Welfare benefits advice and healthcare, Age Concern England (020 8765 7200)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Jun
The Scottish Government began consultation on proposals for tackling alcohol misuse. Key proposals included: raising the minimum age for off-sales alcohol purchases to 21, and setting a minimum price at which a unit of alcohol could be sold.
Source: Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol: A discussion paper on our strategic approach, Scottish Government, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Consultation document | SG press release | BMA press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Jun
The Scottish Government published a strategy aimed at cutting the estimated annual £2.6 billion financial burden of problem drug use to the Scottish economy and society. It said that tackling problem drug use required effective policies on the economy, tackling poverty, and supporting families and children.
Source: The Road to Recovery: A new approach to tackling Scotland's drug problem, Scottish Government, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Strategy | SG press release | Community Care report
Date: 2008-May
The government began consultation on proposals to tighten tobacco control, including the further regulation of tobacco products. Proposals included: removing branding and logos from all tobacco packaging; having a minimum pack size of 20; and restricting access to cigarette vending machines by young people.
Source: Consultation on the Future Of Tobacco Control, Department of Health (08701 555455)
Links: Consultation document | DH press release | ASH press release | BBC report | Telegraph report | Guardian report | FT report
Date: 2008-May
Researchers examined a pilot of free school meals for primary children in a northern city (Kingston upon Hull). The project had had a 'significant impact' on reducing disadvantage in relation to perceptions of health and health behaviours.
Source: Derek Colquhoun, Nigel Wright, Jo Pike and Lisa Gatenby, Evaluation of Eat Well Do Well: Kingston upon Hull's school meal initiative, Centre for Educational Studies/University of Hull (01482 465814)
Links: Report | CPAG press release
Date: 2008-Apr
A study found that bringing a community nursing and physiotherapy team into residential care homes for older people improved quality of life and reduced hospital admissions.
Source: Deidre Wild and Sara Nelson with Ala Szczepura, Providing Nursing Support Within Residential Care Homes, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (01904 629241)
Links: Findings | JRF press release | Help the Aged press release | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Apr
An article examined health improvement and differential changes in health across various socio-demographic groups in New Deal for Communities areas. Evidence from a two-year follow-up did not support an 'NDC effect', either overall or for particular population groups. Residents with lower education experienced the least favourable health profiles at baseline and the smallest improvements.
Source: Mai Stafford, James Nazroo, Jennie Popay and Margaret Whitehead, 'Tackling inequalities in health: evaluating the New Deal for Communities initiative', Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, Volume 62 Number 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Apr
A report (by an official advisory body) said that in order to improve health and reduce health inequalities it was vital to ensure that the natural environment was protected and enhanced, and that communities were built and maintained to be truly sustainable.
Source: Health, Place and Nature: How outdoor environments influence health and well-being – a knowledge base, Sustainable Development Commission (020 7944 4964)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Apr
An article said that population-level tobacco control interventions had the potential to benefit more disadvantaged groups and thereby contribute to reducing health inequalities.
Source: Sian Thomas et al., 'Population tobacco control interventions and their effects on social inequalities in smoking: systematic review', Tobacco Control (Online First), 21 April 2008
Links: Abstract | SPHSU press release
Date: 2008-Apr
The opposition Conservative Party announced plans for a universal health visiting service, with 4,200 extra health visitors. New mothers would be given a guaranteed level of support, including: 2 home visits during the later weeks of pregnancy; 6 hours of health visitor support in the home over the first 2 weeks; home visits every 2 weeks for the next 6 months; monthly visits for all children between 6 months and a year; at least 2 annual visits for every child aged 1-5.
Source: Helping New Families: Support in the early years through universal health visiting, Conservative Party (020 7222 9000)
Links: Report | Conservative Party press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Mar
A think-tank report called for all local councils to adopt an obesity strategy as part of their local area agreements. They should be rewarded by being allowed to retain a sum equivalent to 50 per cent of the National Health Service savings on treating future obesity averted as a result of early interventions.
Source: Michelle Redmond, Weighing up the Advantages: A new role for councils in tackling obesity, New Local Government Network (020 7357 0051)
Links: Report | NLGN press release
Date: 2008-Mar
The government announced (in the Budget) that excise duty on beer, wine, and spirits would rise by 6 per cent above inflation from April 2008, and by 2 per cent above inflation in each of the following four years.
Source: Budget 2008: Stability and opportunity – building a strong, sustainable future, HC 388, HM Treasury, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Budget Report | Hansard | HMT press release | Alcohol Concern press release | BMA press release | RCP press release | UCL press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Mar
A review was published of the health of the working-age population. It said that ill-health was costing £100 billion a year, and called for 'urgent and comprehensive' reform. It recommended that: a new 'Fit for Work' service be piloted for patients in early stages of sickness – if rolled out the aim would be to make work-related health support available to all; if successful Fit for Work should be extended to those on incapacity and other out-of-work benefits; the government should expand provision of 'Pathways to Work' to cover all those on incapacity benefit; the 'outdated' paper-based sick note should be replaced with an electronic 'fit note', stating what people could do, not what they could not; and occupational health should be brought into the mainstream of healthcare provision.
Source: Carol Black (National Director for Health and Work), Working for a Healthier Tomorrow, Department of Health, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report | Review press release | Hansard | HSE press release | TUC press release | IOSH press release | NHS Employers press release | BMA press release | Liberal Democrats press release | Personnel Today report | Telegraph report | Guardian report | FT report | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Mar
The government published a new 10-year strategy for tackling drug abuse. There would be greater powers to seize drug dealers' assets; a greater responsibility on drug-users on benefits to get treatment and back into work; a greater focus on families where parents used drugs, and priority treatment for parents to protect their children; and pilots of new approaches that allowed more flexible and effective use of resources, including personalized treatment.
Source: Drugs: Protecting Families and Communities – The 2008 drug strategy, Home Office (0870 000 1585)
Links: Strategy | Hansard | Home Office press release | Drugscope press release | Addaction press release | DEF press release | Turning Point press release | LGA press release | ACPO press release | RCPsych press release | CPAG press release | Children & Young People Now report | Telegraph report | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Feb
The Welsh Assembly Government began consultation on a 10-year strategy which aimed to set out a clear national agenda for tackling and reducing the harms associated with substance misuse.
Source: Working Together to Reduce Harm: The substance misuse strategy for Wales 2008-2018, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: Consultation document | Consultation document (Welsh) | NHS Wales press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Feb
A report (by an official advisory body) examined government policies towards the food system and supermarkets, and the extent to which these policies were helping or hindering progress towards sustainable development. Supermarkets were frustrated by a perceived lack of long-term government strategy on how the food sector could and should contribute to government policy goals.
Source: Green, Healthy and Fair, Sustainable Development Commission (020 7944 4964)
Links: Report | SDC press release | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Feb
A report called on the government to implement a full range of effective control policies that would reduce the burden of alcohol misuse. It recommended a ban on any alcohol advertising likely to be viewed by young people, either at cinemas or before 9pm on television.
Source: Alcohol Misuse: Tackling the UK epidemic, British Medical Association (020 7387 4499)
Links: Report | BMA press release | Alcohol Concern press release | FT report | Guardian report | Children & Young People Now report
Date: 2008-Feb
A report said that almost 70,000 premature deaths each year – more than 1 in 10 – could be avoided if people switched to a healthier diet.
Source: Food: An analysis of the issues, Strategy Unit/Cabinet Office (020 7276 1881)
Links: Report | Cabinet Office press release | FSA press release | Guardian report | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Jan
A £372 million cross-government strategy was launched to help people in England lead healthier lives. The five key elements of the strategy were: the healthy growth and development of children; promoting healthier food choices; building physical activity into people's lives; creating incentives for better health; and personalized advice and support The strategy would be followed by an annual report that assessed progress, looked at the latest evidence and trends, and made recommendations for further action. A panel of experts would assist the government, with input from a new public health obesity observatory that would develop an understanding of what changed behaviour.
Source: Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A cross-government strategy for England, Department of Health (08701 555455)
Links: Strategy | DH press release | Kings Fund press release | FSA press release | Consumer Association press release | NCB press release | NHF press release | Sustrans press release | Living Streets press release | Guardian report | FT report | Personnel Today report
Date: 2008-Jan
A report examined regional differences in the health of older people within England. It included information on issues ranging from life expectancy to quality of life.
Source: Indications of Public Health in the English Regions 9: Older People, Association of Public Health Observatories (0191 3340398)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Jan
The Prime Minister announced that the National Health Service would launch a national screening programme to tackle some of the biggest killer diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and kidney failure. The programme would aim to prevent 200,000 deaths per year among the 6 million or more people who suffered from one or more of the targeted diseases. He also said there would be a new National Health Service constitution setting out the level of service that patients could expect as well as their own responsibilities for their treatment, such as keeping appointments with doctors and hospitals: in return patients would be granted greater choice around their treatments, such as improved access to doctors outside normal hours and the ability to manage personal treatment in the home.
Source: Speech by Gordon Brown MP (Prime Minister), 7 January 2008
Links: Text of speech | Downing Street press release | Help the Aged press release | BMA press release | NHS Confederation press release | Kings Fund press release | NHS Alliance press release | BIA press release | Liberal Democrats press release | Guardian report | Telegraph report | FT report | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Jan
