BMA calls for commitment to public health

The Government must renew its commitment to protecting funding for public health services to avoid creating future problems for the NHS, the BMA has warned. The message comes as the Commons health select committee prepares to consider evidence submitted to its inquiry into structural changes in public health services since 2013. The inquiry aims to examine the delivery of services and the effectiveness of responsible local authorities in light of the reforms brought in under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. BMA public health medicine committee chair Iain Kennedy (pictured) said public health services in England continued to face a series of serious challenges, particularly regarding funding and workforce. He said: ‘Public health services in England have had to contend with repeated cuts and reorganisations that have left many parts of the service in disarray. 'In order to ensure that patients are able to benefit from public health services that are fit for purpose, it is vital that ministers ensure there is adequate protection for funding and clarify the responsibilities of local authorities when it comes to spending.'   Vital role Dr Kennedy added: ‘Given the types of health challenges likely to be facing the NHS over the coming decades, such as diabetes and obesity, ensuring robust and effective preventative services at a community level will play a vital role in relieving the pressure on the wider health service.’ Chancellor George Osborne impo...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news