Read on Twitter
1/6. A quick thread on the latest on govt timeline for future of public health system, with focus on non-health protection. This just released from @DHSCgovuk https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-future-of-public-health-the-nihp-and-other-public-health-functions/the-future-of-public-health-the-national-institute-for-health-protection-and-other-public-health-functions
2/6. First on language, it talks about 'levelling up' - good connects to wider govt agenda; but a subtle shift to 'variations in health' - bad, it is de-sensitising to inequalities, these are avoidable, unjust & systematic variations (see @TheKingsFund https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/what-are-health-inequalities
3/6. It recognises 'wide range' of non-health protection functions of @PHE_uk - good; to this list needs adding i) data/tools/intelligence that feeds up/down the system; at risk of fragmenting; ii) embedded knowledge in people that must not be lost, this is not about technology
4/6. (Breaking my rule), the worry about the NIHP leadership & team is just how many other jobs they seem to be doing (or taken away from). Partly inevitable, but a worry on undivided attention and continuity. See @HSJnews https://www.hsj.co.uk/commissioning/exclusive-top-leadership-team-at-nhs-test-and-trace-includes-just-one-clinician/7028434.article
5/6. There are options being looked at for where to send @PHE_uk functions; much more important is how to maintain critical mass and strengthen accountability for outcomes across national-local system (inc NHS). This is the opportunity that cannot be missed in this change.
6/6. the timeline is very tight, getting this right is more important than doing it quickly. In the meantime support and look after @PHE_uk staff,
