Making Health Public
A Manifesto for a New Social Contract
By Peter Littlejohns, David J. Hunter, Albert Weale, Jacqueline Johnson and Toslima Khatun
Published
Nov 21, 2023Page count
120 pagesISBN
978-1447371267Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Nov 21, 2023Page count
120 pagesISBN
978-1447371274Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Nov 21, 2023Page count
120 pagesISBN
978-1447371274Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Policy Press
Making Health Public
A public health crisis is gripping the UK. Improvements in life expectancy have stalled, health inequalities have widened, obesity and alcohol misuse are placing an increasing strain on health services and urban air pollution is now widely recognised as a serious health hazard. COVID-19 revealed the weaknesses of the UK's public health system, once thought to be among the best in the world.
Against this background, this book examines the organisational and political barriers to an effective public health system showcased through the UK. It urges that what is needed is a new social contract, in which health policy is truly public.
“This timely, important and highly readable book is essential reading for everyone wanting to know how we can improve people’s health, and the NHS, at the same time – particularly for those in government (or hoping to be).” Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chair, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and Secretary of State for Health 2005–2007
“This book offers a timely reassessment of public health in the UK and its contribution to improving the health of the population.” Mark Exworthy, University of Birmingham
Peter Littlejohns is Emeritus Professor of Public Health at King’s College London and the founding Clinical and Public Health Director of NICE. He has published widely on public health policy.
David J. Hunter is Emeritus Professor of Health Policy and Management at Newcastle University and Emeritus Professor in the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University. He is author of many works in health policy.
Albert Weale is Emeritus Professor of Political Theory and Public Policy at University College London.
Jacqueline Johnson is a public health and management consultant who has over 10 years of experience in international, regional and local public health measurement and evaluation, project management and programme governance.
Toslima Khatun is a postdoctoral researcher, member of the Research Executive Board for the NIHR and a teaching fellow at King’s College London.
1. The Challenges of Public Health
2. Public Health in England, 2013 to 2020
3. Public Health and the Devolved Governments
4. Principles and Process in the New Public Health Settlement
5. A New Social Contract for Public Health
