A REPORT has been published showcasing examples of public health work in 12 local authorities in the South West.

The report, Paths to public health and wellbeing: example of local authority action in the South West includes 14 case studies highlighting a wide range of local work.

Included in the report are examples of work on sexual health, domestic violence and abuse, diabetes and obesity.

The report identifies and presents work being carried out in the South West in the new integrated public health system, with a view to share good practice and lessons learned.

The report was put together by the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Public Health England (PHE) Centre in partnership with PHE South and the South West Network of Directors of Public Health.

Dr Shona Arora, centre director for the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Public Health England Centre said:

“Just a year after the changes came into effect, it was felt worthwhile to review what progress had been made, what emerging issues and challenges there might be and whether there were examples of emerging good practice.

“The case studies presented in the report show only a snapshot of the diversity of work being delivered in the South West in the new health and social care system.

“Some illustrate a focus on developing joint strategies and processes to provide a strong foundation for future work, others demonstrate emergency responses delivered in a newly integrated public health system, and several present innovative approaches to addressing specific health priorities.”

The case studies were nominated for inclusion by the directors of public health in the region under one of the four domains of public health; health protection, health improvement, wider determinants or healthcare public health.

The report can be viewed online: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/365190/Paths_to_public_health_and_wellbeing_SW_England.pdf