Laura Sharman 30 November 2020

Report calls for an improved public health system to prevent thousands of premature deaths

The public health system should be reformed to prevent at least 77,000 premature deaths every year, a new report has argued.

The Health Foundation warns there is a risk that vital aspects of public health will be neglected as huge resources are being poured into the endemic response.

A report from the think tank finds that £1.2bn is needed to restore public health funding to its 2015 levels, while a further £2.6bn is needed to level up public health across the country.

The report reveals that people living in the more affluent half of the population are much less likely to die prematurely (before the age of 75) than those living in more deprived areas.

Tim Elwell-Sutton, assistant director of strategic partnerships at the Health Foundation, said: ‘The pandemic makes it all more urgent that we prioritise keeping people healthy. A strong public health system isn’t a luxury – beyond the obvious benefit to the individual, good health brings with it huge economic and social benefits that are vital to the country’s prosperity.

‘The government has pledged to increase healthy life expectancy and narrow the gap between the richest and poorest. To achieve that they need to make a serious cross-government commitment to improving health.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner