Response to request for evidence of the effectiveness of public health services and how well the NHS links with local authorities, education and housing providers.

  As a public health nurse, over the past six months I have been delivering both The Royal Institute of Public Health Level 2 Award "Understanding Health Improvement" and Train the Tutor events nationally for the same.

  My experience is that this programme is acting as a catalyst and vehicle for Primary Care Trusts, local authorities and non-statutory organisations to work together in effecting health behaviour change in areas of deprivation and inequality.

  Evidence of positive outcomes as a result of the level 2 award "Understanding health improvement" in Derbyshire County PCT (a spearhead PCT) include the joint initiation of Health Trainers between the PCT and Leisure services, Housing schemes and local employers. Such Health Trainers and Associate Health Trainers act as sign posters and local support to members of deprived communities in making positive health changes. Changes include the initiation of food co-operatives, local support systems encouraging preventative physical activity (amongst ex-miners) and outreach support from housing associations.

  In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly PCT, similar initiatives in conjunction with Local authority social care services are providing support to communities subject to significant health inequalities.

  In Lincolnshire joint work is underway with leisure services to provide local sign posters and support through the Health Trainer programme.

  And in Cumbria (as well as elsewhere) the Prison services are planning to use the award as a route to enable offenders develop skills and understanding that on release, they may take back to their communities.

  Local authorities themselves are interested in using this award in conjunction with local health service provider s to promote health behaviour change in their own workforce (Taunton, Newham, Borough Council, Royal borough of Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster).

  Using Choosing Health monies collaboratively to fund this award seems to be providing a route by which these statutory organisations are able to develop individuals employed by themselves, other organisations (e.g. CVS) and voluntary sector (eg Patient and public involvement groups) effect health change.

January 2008