Tuesday 09:17
Health Secretary says White Paper on the state of the nation's health to address key challenges for future
HEALTH Secretary John Reid today announced he is to hold a major public consultation over the next few months on improving the nation's health, which will contribute to proposals in a White Paper.
Mr Reid made the announcement in a speech to NHS Trust Chief Executives in London.
He said he wanted to trigger a wide-ranging debate with the public, the media, industry, voluntary groups and health professionals about how the nation can best tackle issues like obesity, smoking and sexually transmitted diseases.
Mr Reid said:
'We need a big debate about the relative roles of Government, individuals and industries in tackling this vital challenge. We need to find the right balance, rejecting both the nanny state and the Pontius Pilate state which washes its hands of its citizens' health.'
'Through investment and reform, we have made huge strides in improving the NHS after years of neglect. Last year we started the process of personalising health care through the development of patient choice.'
'Overall health is improving in Britain, and our public health programmes are delivering in some areas. But there are worrying trends in preventable conditions like obesity and sexually transmitted infections. And still more can be done to prevent cancer and heart disease.'
'We need to help everyone tackle these challenges to ensure we all get the long healthy lives we deserve. Successful action now will also ensure the NHS has the capacity to treat the illnesses which cannot be prevented. A healthier population could save as much as £30bn per annum in NHS spending in 20 years time.'
Mr Reid added:
'Improving public health is a priority for me, my Department and this Government. But this is an issue for all of us as individuals. We know the medical evidence about how to improve health, but the Government can't force people to be healthy. And it should not tell people how to live their lives'
'However, the Government can help people to make healthy choices by providing information, encouragement and support, and by working with the right partners at the right levels.'
'For instance, to take one issue - who should take prime responsibility for obesity in the nation's children? What assistance should Government give to parents in tackling obesity? What contribution might schools, the food industry, retailers, advertisers, or others have to make? How far is it the business of Government to regulate the advertising of food and drink?'
'That's just one issue we need to look at. I want everyone should have a voice in this vital debate - because it's all about your health and the future health of your family and friends'.
'The results of this consultation will feed into a White Paper on public health which I will publish later this year. That will set out a clear strategy for future action.'
Further details of the consultation process are expected to be announced towards the end of February.
For public inquiries please contact 0207 210 4850.
