Committee highlights priorities
to improve health of the nation
City health chiefs have made seven recommendations to the
Government about how it can improve the nation’s health.
The suggestions are the Sheffield First for Health committee’s
contribution to the government’s consultation on the public
health White Paper ‘Choosing Health’ which is due to be
published this summer. The recommendations are:
· Giving local authorities the power to ban smoking in
public places if voluntary restrictions don’t have the desired
effect
· Encouraging more physical activity in daily life in a
bid to prevent coronary heart disease, many cancers, and
an obesity epidemic
· Regulating and restricting advertising of products that
have an impact on health such as sweets and high fat foods
· Better coordination between agencies in the public sector
· Restricting marketing of alcohol and more cash for alcohol
treatment facilities
· Implementing measures to reduce stress and boost mental
health
· Ensuring a consistent approach to public health issues
They were drawn up by Jeremy Wight, Director of Public
Health for North Sheffield Primary Care Trust, on behalf
of Sheffield First for Health’s committee following an interactive
consultation, which saw health workers and representatives
from the voluntary and community sector from all over Yorkshire
and Humberside gather in Sheffield to discuss public health
priorities.
Andy Buck, co-chair of Sheffield First for Health, said:
“We welcome the Government’s consultation on public health
as this gives us the chance to influence future policy.
The Committee’s view is that Government should not shy away
from taking a robust stance on these issues.”
He added: “We want to encourage significant changes in
people’s behaviour - giving up smoking, being more active
and eating healthier food will help people become healthier
and in turn give them a better quality of life. We cannot
do this without the support of the Government and we would
urge ministers to send clear health messages to the public
and back them up by implementing appropriate policies.”
The committee’s recommendations have been sent to the
Secretary of State for Health, John Reid, along with a more
detailed report of the issues raised at the Talking Our
Health conference held in June.
The Government’s consultation on the public health White
Paper closed this week. The paper is expected to be published
later this year.
july 2004
October 02, 2006 
