Council to lead health services

IN just a few days time Warrington Borough Council will become the official lead in the delivery of public health services in the town.
From Monday April 1 onwards the council will be seeking to prevent illness, address the causes of ill-health and lead on promoting healthy lifestyles to the communities of Warrington.
Already, 22 staff have transferred from NHS Warrington to assist with this new undertaking.
The move is part of the government’s ongoing reforms of the National Health Service and it is the council’s responsibility to draw on existing knowledge and resources to develop localised solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
Warrington’s public health team has responsibility for a £10 million budget and the service commissions more than 100 different services such as sexual health advice, cancer screening programmes, tobacco control and wellbeing mentors.
Cllr Pat Wright, the council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adult social care said: “I believe this council is well-placed to take on the running of these important services. Many of our aims and aspirations are the same so it makes sense to pool resources and knowledge for the benefit of the people of Warrington to ensure they lead long, healthy and happy lives.”
Dr Rita Robertson, director of public health said: “This is an exciting time with many new opportunities already being taken to work more efficiently and effectively. We expect to see savings through contract negotiations which will allow more resources to help even more people by improving the health of the population and reducing inequalities.
“We have been working behind the scenes for many months to make sure the transition is as seamless as possible. Many of the services are provided by community groups, charities, partnerships and private businesses and this will continue to be the case. People in Warrington will be able to access the same services in the same way.”
The borough council has pledged to protect the public health budget from the impact of government cuts in the 2013/14 financial year.
More details are available at www.warringtonpublichealth.org.uk