Supporting action on reducing health inequalities

Health inequalities in our society In England today, those in the least deprived areas of the country live around 20 years longer in good health than those in the most deprived areas. This is just one example of the stark differences in health outcomes that exist between different groups and communities in our society. Health … Read more

Social care: Learning lessons and preparing for winter

Protecting those who use and provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial. The pandemic has seen a different scale of test for adult social care, going far beyond anything the sector has previously experienced. It has been hugely challenging for the 1.5 million people who make up the nation’s paid social care workforce, in … Read more

Supporting weight management and wellbeing approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic has dramatically changed how we live our lives. The impact has been felt across all sectors, including the local weight management, obesity and wellbeing services. Local Authorities (LAs) have had to adapt at fast pace to support their communities. Our rapid research into weight management services captures innovative local practice and presents insights … Read more

Student life in the time of COVID-19

Protect yourself, your university and the wider community – remember Hands, Face, Space. Whether you’re a fresher, returning student or a postgrad, you’ll no doubt have lots of questions or concerns about how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact your student life. As a responsible adult possibly moving into a new town, you’ll need to know … Read more

No child left behind – a public health informed approach to improving outcomes for vulnerable children

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, local government, health, education and other public services have sought to make sure that vulnerable children are protected. As we look ahead, these children and their families remain central to our public health plans and ambitions. There are some specific ways in which the pandemic may affect childhood vulnerability but, more … Read more

A message from Duncan Selbie

Dear everyone Today the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has announced the creation of the National Institute for Health Protection, a new organisation to address the next phase of the pandemic and a new chapter for the nation’s public health system. This effectively replaces Public Health England and therefore is a sensible moment … Read more

Duncan Selbie’s Friday Message – 14 August 2020

Dear everyone Returning to school As the new school term approaches, we are supporting the Department for Education’s preparations for this. PHE’s scientists have been analysing the impact of COVID-19 in schools and the evidence to date has indicated that schools are not a major driver of COVID-19 infections in the community. Our study published … Read more

Behind the headlines: Counting COVID-19 deaths

Defining a COVID-19 death Although it might seem straightforward, counting the number of people who have died from COVID-19 related illness is complex. The infection can lead to death soon after diagnosis, but it may also cause death many weeks later. Someone who tests positive can of course die from another cause such as cancer … Read more