From the President
Welcome to June's ebulletin.
As you'll see, preparations for our conference in Birmingham on 4 July are well-advanced, and I'm looking forward to seeing many of you there. I know that the reductions in NHS and public health budgets across the UK, coupled with the continuing uncertainty about the way forward for public health in England, are conspiring to make many of us feel that it's a long time since we've been able to concentrate properly on what we're all here for - improving the health of the public.
With that in mind, we've designed the programme to provide inspiration and reflection on new ways of making a difference to health, as well as opportunities for discussing the form and function of public health systems and services. I'm hoping that, by the time the conference arrives, the future of public health in England will be clearer.
The listening part of the listening exercise is now complete and conclusions are being drawn. The initial focus on the NHS has been expanded to include the public health reforms, and I'm pleased to say that the exercise included a high-level listening event on public health, chaired by Professor Steve Field.
I was also invited to join an event at 10 Downing Street for leaders of the health professions, chaired by the Prime Minister. I was impressed by his willingness to listen and to engage in an honest and open exploration of the issues, and I hope that the constructive suggestions put forward by FPH and others will be looked at very seriously. The Health Select Committee's review of public health is now well under way and provides another very useful platform for public debate.
Although the formal 'listening period' came to an end on 31 May, Ministers are still considering their responses, and the reforms will be discussed again by Parliament in due course, so it is still well worth while talking or writing to your MP about the public health implications if you can.
It's vital at this stage that politicians understand the strength of feeling on these matters - there is still a view in some quarters that, as there 'hasn't been any noise' about the public health reforms (despite the letter sent jointly by FPH, ADPH and RSPH to the Prime Minister), they don't need to be reviewed.
As ever, please let us know if we can help in any way.
Lindsey
FPH news
Restructuring
The process to restructure FPH continues with the consultation period having provided an opportunity for all staff, officers, Unite and trustees to contribute their views on the proposed structure. A lot of very useful comments were received and have been considered by the Review Team.
A full report on progress to date was presented to Trustees at their meeting on 19 May. A final structure has just been released which is being followed by a recruitment period to populate the new structure.
I would again ask for your patience and understanding in your dealings with the FPH office during this transition period whilst this work continues.
Paul Scourfield
Chief Executive
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Write to your MP on public health reforms
Some FPH Local Board Members have been extremely active in raising concerns about the proposed public health reforms with their local MPs. We would urge any FPH member who has concerns about the reforms to get in touch with their local MPs and make sure their voice is heard.
To help you, there is a template letter which you can adapt and use. You'll also find FPH's letter to the Prime Minister and our key points paper on the FPH website.
Do let us know if you do write and about any feedback you get. Email lindseystewart@fph.org.uk
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Letter from Anne Milton MP
Public health minister Anne Milton has replied to the letter the UK's main professional organisations for public health (FPH, the Royal Society for Public Health and the Association of Directors of Public Health) wrote to the Prime Minister, David Cameron, in response to the 'pause and listening' process. The letter to the Prime Minister outlined the organisations' concerns over the public health reforms in England.
You can read a copy of Anne Milton's letter and we would welcome your views and comments via whitepaper@fph.org.uk
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International Committee Chair
The FPH International Committee is seeking to appoint a new chair.
The International Committee aims to:
- assist educational and professional exchange and dialogue between individual public health professionals, agencies and organisations in the United Kingdom and overseas
- promote the standing, practice, research and study of public health globally
- support, engage and represent overseas members of FPH.
Further information on the work and composition of the committee can be found on the FPH website.
Interested members should apply in writing to the FPH President with a cover letter, short citation (300 words) explaining why they should be considered and a short CV (1 page).
Application closes on 31 July 2011.
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FPH Board meeting
The FPH Board met on 19 May in London. It was a productive and wide-ranging meeting with discussion focussing on progress on the reforms to public health in England.
Read a summary report of the meeting.
The FPH Board will next meet on 12 July 2011.
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Online Members' Area
The new FPH online members' area is up and running. You can update your membership information, tell us about policy areas you're interested in, find out about the work of FPH, and about opportunities to get involved.
The area is still in the early stages of development, but we're working on it so that you'll be able to pay your subscription fees, register for the conference and other FPH events, and get access to pre-published copies of FPH reports.
To get started, just follow the link from the FPH homepage and where it says 'Activate account' simply enter your email address and click 'submit'. If your email address matches the one we have logged on our register, then a notification will be emailed to that account with a password.
If your email address doesn't match, then contact omasupport@fph.org.uk
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Public Health Today looks at early intervention
This month's edition of FPH's quarterly magazine, Public Health Today, will have a special feature on early intervention.
It includes an interview with Graham Allen MP, author of an influential government report on the subject, and articles on safeguarding, positive parenting and the National Child Measurement Programme. There is also an article about tackling climate change in Europe by World Health Organization specialists.
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FPH Annual General Meeting
Members are given advanced notice of FPH's AGM which this year will take place at the annual conference at 5.15pm on Monday 4 July 2011 at the University of Birmingham.
All FPH members are invited to attend.
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Public health white paper – online resource
For up-to-the minute information on FPH's work on and response to the public health white paper, Healthy Lives, Healthy People, and other related consultations, including press releases, letters and replies, as well as responses to previous consultation documents visit the White Paper page on the FPH website.
We also want to hear your thoughts/views/comments. Send them to: whitepaper@fph.org.uk
Public health news
Help shape the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management (FMLM)
The FMLM is conducting research with an independent research agency to inform and guide the development of the new body.
Members from all specialities and stages of their careers are invited to share their views and expectations of the new faculty, in confidence.
Please email Ian Phillips if you would be prepared to take part in the research.
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Healthy transport report available online
The Transport and Health Study Group's report, Health on the Move 2, is currently available online only.
Access for up to two weeks is free; those expecting to use it for more than that require an annual licence (£5 to individuals, and free to paid up members of the THSG, for which the annual fee is £5).
In this issue:
From the President
FPH news
FPH events
Public health news
FPH in the news
Public health events
FPH 2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
4 July 2011 - University of Birmingham
New speakers announced
There are just a few weeks until the FPH Conference. The programme is almost finalised and it promises to be an exciting and stimulating event, sure to generate debate and discussion on the major issues currently facing public health.
We have a great line-up of high-calibre speakers and chairs, including health secretary Andrew Lansley CBE MP and the new Chief Medical Officer for England, Dame Sally Davies, the Premier League, Roy Lilley, Mark Britnell, Kate Pickett (co-author of The Spirit Level), Denis Campbell (The Guardian), UNISON and many more.
So be sure to secure your place at one of the most influential events in the public health calendar. Places are going fast.
The conference, entitled Public Health in a Changing World, will take place on 4 July at the University of Birmingham.
You can register or read more on our conference webpage at or contact Karen Tidy at or 020 7935 3115.
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Quality, Public Health and Scotland: Improving Standards in a Changing Climate
10-11 November 2011 - Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Scotland
FPH IN SCOTLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Scotland's health is improving, but the major challenges of obesity, tobacco, alcohol misuse and mental ill health or illness remain. The demands on health improvement and healthcare services and the climate in which we operate are changing not least due to demographic changes, new technologies and financial pressures.
How should the public health community continue to promote and secure changes to improve health in this increasingly challenging climate? What are the key elements of successful leadership in times of hardship and how can best practice be inspired?
These are just some of the questions we will explore in this year's programme which will feature keynote presentations from a range of influential speakers.
Further information and to submit an abstract.
Closing date for abstracts is 27 June 2011.
FPH in the news
Public health plans 'confused and inadequate'
GP online
Can indulging in the Arts improve your health?
BBC News
Public health events
For more information on any of these events please visit the FPH events website
Birth of a Network: Developing Women's Health Research
Date: 07 June 2011
Venue: Perrin Lecture Theatre, Whitechapel, London
Reducing Health Inequalities Through Evidence-Based Social Interventions and Strategic Healthcare Planning
Date: 14-15 June 2011
Venue: The Foresight Centre, University of Liverpool
A Smith Institute inquiry into the strengths and weaknesses of the NHS Reform Programme - Manchester
Date: 16 June 2011
Venue: The Conference Hall, Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester, M2 5DB
The Food for Life Partnership and FPH conference
Date: 22 June 2011
Venue: London
Workshop on Lung Function Tests, Asthma and Work
Date: 24 June 2011
Venue: National Heart and Lung Institute, London SW3
Drugs and Alcohol Today Conference: Understanding and Implementing the Government's New Drug Strategy 2010
Date: 28 June 2011
Venue: Cavendish Conference Centre, 22 Duchess Mews, London
Preventative Health 2011
Date: 30 June 2011
Venue: QEII Conference Centre, London (limited-availability discount for FPH members)
A Climate for Health? Global, Local, Health and Health Services - Taking the Temperature
Date: 05 July 2011
Venue: The Public, West Bromwich
Want to Treat the Bigger Picture? The Trials and Tribulations of a Career in Population Health
Date: 08 July 2011
Venue: Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, London W1G 0AE
ePIC 2011: Ninth International ePortfolio and Identity Conference
Date: 11-13 July 2011
Venue: Savoy Place, London
Public Health System Reform Summit
Date: 13 July 2011
Venue: The King's Fund, London
Health and Wellbeing Board Summit
Date: 14 July 2011
Venue: The King's Fund, London
European Summer School in Evidence-Based Public Health
Date: 25-29 July 2011
Venue: Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool
IEA World Congress of Epidemiology
Date: 07-12 August 2011
Venue: Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland
Health and Wellbeing – the 21st Century Agenda
Date: 08-09 September 2011
Venue: London
Multiple Risk Behaviours in Adolescence: Causes, Consequences, Prevention and Interventions
Date: 09 September 2011
Venue: Victoria Rooms, University of Bristol
Health Protection 2011
Date: 13-14 September 2011
Venue: Warwick University
Health and Social Care Conference 2011
Date: 14 September 2011
Venue: Central London
Society for Social Medicine 2011 Conference
Date: 14-16 September 2011
Venue: Warwick University
Assets for Health and Wellbeing Across the Life Course: International Conference
Date: 26-27 September 2011
Venue: British Library Conference Centre, Euston, London
Quality, Public Health and Scotland: Improving Standards in a Changing Climate
Date: 10-11 November 2011
Venue: Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Scotland
Concepts of Epidemiology: Seventh Crash Course
Date: 05-09 December 2011
Venue: University of Edinburgh
For more information please visit the FPH events website
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