Public Health England
Public Health England (Pronunciation: Pub-lic Health Eng-land) is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom that began operating on 1 April 2013. Its formation came as a result of reorganization of the National Health Service (NHS) in England outlined in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. It took on the role of the Health Protection Agency, and some departments of the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse.
Etymology
The term "Public Health England" is derived from its function and geographical location. "Public Health" refers to the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals. "England" refers to the country where this executive agency operates.
Functions
Public Health England's mission is to protect and improve the nation's health and to address inequalities, working with national and local government, the NHS, industry, academia, the public, and the voluntary and community sector. PHE has a role in implementing the Department of Health and Social Care’s policies in England.
Related Terms
- Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
- Health Promotion: The process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health.
- Health Protection: The aim to prevent or reduce the harm caused by communicable and non-communicable diseases, environmental hazards such as radiation and chemicals, and preventable injuries.
- Public Health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals.
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