About Gloucestershire public health

We are responsible for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of the local community.

Overall health in Gloucestershire is good and generally better than the England average; however like everywhere, the health of some of our communities is not improving at the same rate as others. A key focus of public health is reducing inequalities in health between different groups of people and communities.

In our role we work with several partners in a variety of ways. These include:

• Providing a range of help for people from how to stop smoking to making healthy decisions about lifestyle
• Addressing the factors which contribute to ill health rather than treating people when they have already become ill
• Protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases or environmental hazards
• Making sure the county is prepared for possible emergencies which might impact on people's health

We have an advisory role assisting organisations who plan and provide health care to understand the health needs of the local population and plan services to meet those needs.

Annual reports

The Director of Public Health Annual Report 2013/14

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The Director of Public Health Annual Report 2012/13

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Who is responsible for public health in the county?

• The Cabinet Member - Public Health and Communities
• The Director of Public Health (DPH) acts as the principal adviser on health to the county council.
• Additional professional support is provided by Public Health England (PHE), a new national body which reports to the Department of Health.