Public health is “the science and art of promoting and protecting health and well-being, preventing ill-health and prolonging life through the organised efforts of society” (UK’s Faculty of Public Health)
Every health board in Scotland has a Director of Public Health and the public health workforce concerns itself with the health of the population as a whole. Voluntary health organisations increasingly are seen as part of the wider public health workforce: indeed, our members tell us public health is core to what they do. VHS is part of the Scottish Public Health Network’s Advisory Board, and we work to raise awareness of our sector’s role in public health and to help shape the future direction of public health.
The 2015 Scottish Government Review of Public Health Scottish Government Review of Public Health and the Health and Social Care Delivery Plan 2016 means the public health landscape is set to change, with the creation of a new body, Public Health Scotland.
Useful resources
VHS Key Messages Report from Public Health Review Sounding Board 23 March 2016
VHS Briefing Paper -Scottish Government 2015 Review of Public Health in Scotland
VHS Response to the Public Health Review Engagement Paper March 2015
VHS presentation: third sector as partners in public health, May 2015
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