The partnership between the Isle of Wight Council and Hampshire County Council has been praised for taking a failing public health team to a stronger position.
The five-year partnership was agreed in 2019 and after a period of review, the Isle of Wight Council is recommending the agreement continue for the remainder of its lifespan.
Lack of specialist staff
In a report going to cabinet next week, the council has said prior to the partnership its public health function was not performing, nor fulfilling its duties, due to a lack of specialist staff.
Since working with Hampshire, recommendations and progress have been made, leading the service to a position the council says now proudly demonstrates its leadership of public health for the Island.
New services introduced
Recently, more services have been introduced, including sexual health services and campaigns to help people stop smoking, weight management and mental health.
Further development of the team to realise its full potential was required, but a firm foundation had been laid.
Address poor public health outcomes
A long-term ambition is to address continuing poor public health outcomes such as low childhood immunisation rates, smoking-related deaths and male life expectancy.
The partnership is also said to have improved the reputation of the council in public health circles, strengthening relationships with the NHS, Integrated Care System and voluntary sector as well as more effective working with police and fire colleagues.
Approval to continue the partnership is being recommended to cabinet.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
