Changes to public health in England could be a big boost to local people – in keeping them healthy and by providing greater local employment. The Government has announced plans for a new organisation called Public Health England. This will replace the current Health Protection Agency and give more power to local people over their health, whilst keeping a firm national grip on crucial population-wide issues such as flu pandemics.
The White Paper 'Healthy Lives, Healthy People' sets out how funding from the overall NHS budget will be ring-fenced for spending on public health – a recognition that prevention is better than cure. Early estimates suggest that current spend on areas that are likely to be the responsibility of Public Health England could be in the range of £4 billion.
For the first time in a generation, central Government will not hold all the purse strings. The majority of public health services will be commissioned by Local Authorities from their ring-fenced budget, or by the NHS, all funded from Public Health England’s new public health budget.
Matthew said: “Changes have been announced about public health and I am keen to ensure that we capitalise on those and the current Health Protection Agency in Colindale. The HPA site employs over 1,000 people and contributes to vitally important work to ensure protection against viruses and diseases. As such I have put questions to Ministers which I hope will produce greater reassurance about retaining the site under the auspices of the new Public Health England.”
Photo: Matthew is pictured in a HPA laboratory in Colindale alongside staff and fellow MP Bob Blackman and Marina Yannakoudakis MEP