Public Health Intelligence in London PCTs Sylvia Godden Public Health Intelligence Specialist    HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

NHS restructure – the implications for Public Health Intelligence HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

Summary of Public Health Intelligence role Specialist knowledge of statistical and epidemiological methods and sources of information for interpreting and understanding data sets Advanced analytical skills and interpretation of data, including statistical software, mapping and GIS systems Educating, training and developing others in PHI Communicating findings through variety of means Sound knowledge of NHS structures and public health policy, practical experience of information governance Knowledge usually acquired through higher degree Public Health Analysts in London range from relatively junior through to Consultant level HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

What do we do? Depends on where based. We are in London’s 31 PCTs, LHO/CSL, DH Regional Public Health Group and HPUs In PCTs part of multi-disciplinary PH teams with remit to lead on intelligence and contribute to all team’s outputs Major role in JSNA and Public Health Annual Report We represent the PH ‘evidence base’ and organisational memory through maintenance of data sources over time Part of successful networks (London and sector level) Trademark, our willingness to share expertise and seek advice from peers in a culture of openness and trust One of our strengths compared to a commercial service HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

Importance of retaining PH analytical function in London Essential to retain the critical mass of Public Health analysts in London Vital for the new GP consortia Important to plan in good time how our function will be delivered in the new structure Perceived risk of losing expert knowledge and experience Associated costs to the NHS and taxpayer HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

Public Health Analysts Consultation Team (PHACT) We established PHACT - the Public Health Analysts Consultation Team in October 2010 Open invitation to Public Health Analysts to join this sub group of the London Public Health Network Initially ten members and one chair Two meetings but mostly communicate by email HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

Purpose To ensure that the role of our professional group is not compromised by the NHS restructure Our skills, knowledge, experience and breadth of work must be recognised and planned for Anticipate that following NHS restructure PHI function will be needed everywhere - LAs, Health and Wellbeing Boards, GP consortia, Commissioning Board, Public Health England, at each geographical level, locally, London, national Particularly important to support GP consortia to extend their focus to encompass the whole population Will need the data and skills we currently bring to PCTs HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

Objectives To ensure that: We retain the ability to monitor and measure the health outcomes for the population(s) we are responsible for We preserve access to complete, good quality data Information governance arrangements are adapted in good time to maintain access to information sources All relevant organisations have access to our services PHI remains core to multi-disciplinary PH teams To preserve our formal and informal networks, essential for sharing good practice and training To prevent fragmentation and loss of a highly specialised workforce which has matured over many years HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

What did we do? PHACT Actions Introduced ourselves and our role to the London Public Health Transition Advisory Group (LPHTAG) Provided terms of reference plus a summary of who we are, our role, skills, knowledge and experience Went on to produce a briefing outlining key issues and where possible made recommendations Sent briefing to LPHTAG, all London DsPH, Faculty A principle of PHACT - to give all members of the network the opportunity to see/comment on outputs HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

Our main issues & recommendations Technical issues - the ‘tools’ of our job New structures to take full account of need to measure population Seek assurance of access to complete, good quality data at no extra cost Need to evaluate governance arrangements to ensure access to the data sources we need HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

An Information Revolution Direction of travel towards increasing the range of information providers Raises questions about cost barriers related to commercial confidentiality in evaluating methods, sources and quality compared with current central data collections Budget cuts – reductions in ONS outputs mean local analysts may have to produce themselves or buy in HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

Main issues & recommendations New organisational structures for Public Health Public Health Intelligence should remain part of multi-disciplinary public health teams Our evidence must be available to GP consortia Clarification of how we will work within Local Authorities Should continue to be part of professional networks Risk of analysts being lost before new structures established Key tools and data sets from LHO/CSL should be maintained HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

Main issues & recommendations Capacity, career development & training Main objective to ensure we retain PHI resource as per CMO letter August 2010 “it is essential that we do not lose Public Health expertise from the system” Warned against replacing PHI posts with generic posts Recommended continued use of JDs from the Public Health Career Framework Recommended ensuring adequate and appropriate training and support for PHI HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

Scally report on regulation of Public Health Professionals Implications for Defined Specialists Through the UKPHR, PHI specialists can gain formal recognition But “the case for statutory regulation of defined specialists is not made” Particularly impacts on Public Health analysts Implications for posts across London Purpose of regulation is to safeguard and protect the public from harm – applies to PHI HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011

PHACT Outcomes Positive reply from London Public Health Transition Advisory Group welcoming our pro-active approach Plans to establish PHI work stream with representation from us and our expertise utilised Our briefing forwarded to Public Health England team Responses submitted to ‘An Information Revolution’, Public Health White Paper and consultation on Public Health funding and commissioning routes Links with work in other parts of the country, i.e. Greater Manchester Public Health Network Considering next moves, e.g. could monitor and map the PHI function across London in the next financial year HSUG, Public Health Intelligence (PHI) – Preparing for the future, 25th March 2011