The Government’s White Paper on Public Health was published on 30 November 2010.
RSPH welcomes the publication of the White Paper on Public Health and the priority the Government is giving to health promotion, health protection and prevention. The emphasis on a 'life course' approach, focusing on the specific health challenges at each age as we move from cradle to grave, will be supported by the majority of public health professionals. The transfer of local public health services from PCTs to local government also makes sense, as it places public health closer to the community services that influence some of the most important determinants of health. We are also pleased to see the establishment of a cross Government committee on public health and look forward to seeing the impact this could have in placing health at the heart of all Government activity. Professor Richard Parish, Chief Executive of RSPH, says “The White Paper sets out a framework for health in the future and the Royal Society looks forward to working closely with the Department of Health and local government in its implementation. Success will come from achieving the right balance between individual responsibility and Government action.”
Chair of the RSPH Council, Dr Selwyn Hodge comments “The changes and developments discussed in the White Paper on Public Health will pave the way to a better public health system for all. Working together the proposed plans are very achievable and we should see some positive changes soon.”
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The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is an independent, multi-disciplinary organisation, dedicated to the promotion and protection of collective human health and well-being. Through advocacy, mediation, empowerment, knowledge and practice we advise on policy development, provide education and training services, encourage scientific research, disseminate information and certify products, training centres and processes.
Around 100,000 students take our qualifications each year in food hygiene, salon hygiene, pest control, health & safety, nutrition, the built environment, health, meat inspection and emergency planning. We provide qualifications which are directly relevant to the workplace and we help people to progress through their chosen career by offering qualifications at different levels. RSPH is also an awarding body recognised by Ofqual. We have a network of over 1500 training centres throughout the UK. We provide a wide range of course material including syllabuses and sample exam papers.
The RSPH is an independent charity formed in October 2008 with the merger of the Royal Society of Health (RSH) and the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH). The RSPH has a Royal Charter and Her Majesty The Queen is the Society’s Patron.