Unit 12 P1 P2 M1 What is public health? Megan Scully
P1: Describe the key aspects of public health strategies
Supervising the condition of the populations health
Following any fluctuations with regards to the health of the population and informing the population
of any impending issues. For example; the increasing levels of obesity are monitored and the public
is informed of these rising levels.
Recognizing the health requirements of the population
When the health patterns are identified, services to combat these issues are then ascertained. In
regards to obesity, this could be a higher requirement for diabetes support, or aid with mobility.
Forming early screening programmes for the purpose of reducing health risks
Endeavouring to decrease concentrations of poor health by means of introducing schemes that
recognise individuals most at risk of certain health conditions and involving them in precautionary
programmes. This could be referring an individual to a weight loss course or support group if they
are recognised to be at risk of developing diabetes due to their weight.
Regulating infectious disease
Diminishing the effect of infectious diseases through vaccination for example. This could be to
contain the circulation of rubella.
Endorsing the populations health
This is the endorsement of programmes or activities in order to decrease the populations’ poor
health. This could be obesity for example. The ‘eatwell guide’ was released to inform people of foods
they are recommended to eat and portion sizes in order to remain healthy.
Preparing and assessing health and social care provision
Evaluating health and social care provision and if they have a satisfactory impact on the identified
issues. In regards to obesity this may be; whether the local services are able to manage the
requirement for weight management services or if the current model of services is able to aid in
weight loss and the preservation of the change.
Creating goals
Forming goals for a country, region or locality to may result in a reduction in disease, for example;
heightened rates of vaccinations. A national goal may include the reduction in levels of obesity in
young children, a local aim may be measuring and weighing young children in primary schools. This
recorded information can then be used to compare progress against the national goals.
P2: Describe the origins of public health policy in the UK from the 19th century to the present day
The 19th Century
The Poor Law of 1834
The provision of public health commenced in the 19th century beginning with the Poor Law system of
1834 and the Victorian sanitary improvement programme. The Poor Law was revised after the Royal
Commission of Inquiry produced a report based on the Operation of the Poor Laws. The Poor Law
Amendment Act 1834, stated that individuals who were able-bodied and not in the workhouse
would not receive funding or other forms of aid from the authorities. The workhouse environment,
therefore, was made to be tough in order to dissuade individuals from requiring help. The Poor Law
did however, ensure that all individuals categorized as poor, received clothing, were fed and were
housed and children in the workhouse were schooled. In return those working in the workhouse
were required to work several hours daily.
The first national Public Health Act 1848 and Edwin Chadwick
Edwin Chadwick, a social reformer, believed that destitution was created by illness and that it could
be reduced if every town adopted a board of health and had improved sewer systems and water
supplies. Edwin Chadwick’s concepts influenced the passing of the Public Health Act 1848 after his
ideas were published in the ‘Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Classes’ 1842 report. The Public
Health Act 1848 resulted in the establishment of a central health board based in London. The Public
P1: Describe the key aspects of public health strategies
Supervising the condition of the populations health
Following any fluctuations with regards to the health of the population and informing the population
of any impending issues. For example; the increasing levels of obesity are monitored and the public
is informed of these rising levels.
Recognizing the health requirements of the population
When the health patterns are identified, services to combat these issues are then ascertained. In
regards to obesity, this could be a higher requirement for diabetes support, or aid with mobility.
Forming early screening programmes for the purpose of reducing health risks
Endeavouring to decrease concentrations of poor health by means of introducing schemes that
recognise individuals most at risk of certain health conditions and involving them in precautionary
programmes. This could be referring an individual to a weight loss course or support group if they
are recognised to be at risk of developing diabetes due to their weight.
Regulating infectious disease
Diminishing the effect of infectious diseases through vaccination for example. This could be to
contain the circulation of rubella.
Endorsing the populations health
This is the endorsement of programmes or activities in order to decrease the populations’ poor
health. This could be obesity for example. The ‘eatwell guide’ was released to inform people of foods
they are recommended to eat and portion sizes in order to remain healthy.
Preparing and assessing health and social care provision
Evaluating health and social care provision and if they have a satisfactory impact on the identified
issues. In regards to obesity this may be; whether the local services are able to manage the
requirement for weight management services or if the current model of services is able to aid in
weight loss and the preservation of the change.
Creating goals
Forming goals for a country, region or locality to may result in a reduction in disease, for example;
heightened rates of vaccinations. A national goal may include the reduction in levels of obesity in
young children, a local aim may be measuring and weighing young children in primary schools. This
recorded information can then be used to compare progress against the national goals.
P2: Describe the origins of public health policy in the UK from the 19th century to the present day
The 19th Century
The Poor Law of 1834
The provision of public health commenced in the 19th century beginning with the Poor Law system of
1834 and the Victorian sanitary improvement programme. The Poor Law was revised after the Royal
Commission of Inquiry produced a report based on the Operation of the Poor Laws. The Poor Law
Amendment Act 1834, stated that individuals who were able-bodied and not in the workhouse
would not receive funding or other forms of aid from the authorities. The workhouse environment,
therefore, was made to be tough in order to dissuade individuals from requiring help. The Poor Law
did however, ensure that all individuals categorized as poor, received clothing, were fed and were
housed and children in the workhouse were schooled. In return those working in the workhouse
were required to work several hours daily.
The first national Public Health Act 1848 and Edwin Chadwick
Edwin Chadwick, a social reformer, believed that destitution was created by illness and that it could
be reduced if every town adopted a board of health and had improved sewer systems and water
supplies. Edwin Chadwick’s concepts influenced the passing of the Public Health Act 1848 after his
ideas were published in the ‘Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Classes’ 1842 report. The Public
Health Act 1848 resulted in the establishment of a central health board based in London. The Public
