Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Health and Social Care Hub - Public Health Day
The event, held at Leeds Beckett University's state-of-the-art Carnegie School of Sport building, was led by the Department of Health and Social Care Permanent Secretary, Sir Chris Wormald and England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.
It brought together health and social care colleagues from across the region to showcase the local agencies in progressing health care, and to make the case for evidence, research and prevention in the Public Health space. Focusing on the broad spectrum of issues related to the effective delivery of inclusive public health on a local, regional and national level.
Minister for Primary Care and Public Health, Neil O’Brien and Professor Chris Whitty opened the day. The Minister shared how there was more interest in public health than ever before with an ageing society, and the greater burden being placed on healthcare. He also spoke how fantastic it was to be able to combine academia, central government and local government to look at how we can tackle such health issues.
In his welcome speech to the guests at the event, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Slee shared how important it is to recognise that no organisation can achieve their targets without working in collaboration with other groups: The Leeds Hub is continually improving how it is working with local and regional colleagues; looking for opportunities to strengthen these relationships and exploring further areas for joint working.
Sir Chris Whitty explained the importance of primary and secondary prevention and the importance of restoring and expanding secondary prevention to help more people to live longer, healthier lives.
Ultimately, the day highlighted the importance of prevention and explored the different ways in which we can inclusively and equitably improve the health of the public.
Professor Chris Whitty said: “It was great to be part of the Leeds Public Health Day with a range of experts from health, academia, local councils and voluntary organisations.
“Leeds Health and Social Care Hub brings together a wide range of expertise to challenge, collaborate and focus on improving health outcomes for the public. Leeds has lots of innovative talent and the Leeds Public Health Day highlighted this and resulted in rich discussions on how local, regional and national levels can work together to help the public.”
Alongside sharing their facilities, leading academics from Leeds Beckett University made contributions to the discussions. Dr Duncan Sharp, Dean of the School of Health at Leeds Beckett University, said: “The day highlighted the transformational potential of the Leeds Health and Care Hub as a catalyst for tackling inequalities, delivering impactful change with, and responding to the needs of, the individuals, communities, and organisations we serve.
“This ethos aligns strongly with the vision for the School of Health at Leeds Beckett University and so I am delighted that we are part of the Hub, are able to influence and contribute through our exceptional academic talent, and the future opportunities this presents to make a difference.
“It was fantastic and inspiring to explore and debate the many challenges and opportunities across public health, and the additional possibilities through trusted and inclusive partnership working.”
Other key speakers included: Tom Riordan, CEO of Leeds City Council; Professor Jonathan Van Tam; Professor Jenny Harries, CEO UK Health Security Agency; Professor Bola Owolabi, NHSE; Laura Stroud, Professor of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health – University of Leeds; Professor Rosie McEachan, Director of Born in Bradford; Richard Stubbs, CEO of the Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network; and Victoria Eaton, Director of Public Health, Leeds City Council.