Cut spending on Public Health

Obesity in the UK is a hot topic right now with two thirds of the adult population overweight or obese*. Not only that but, 1 in 5 adults smoke*  and, new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STI) remains the same at just over 420,000.* Yet, 90% of councils have cut spending on sexual health, smoking and weight management services.

Cut spending

Budgets for local councils in England have had spending cut by 10% (£531 million) between 2015 and 2020 leading to tough decisions. The knock on effect to Practices’ is that they can no longer offer some of these services to patients.

Miriam, Director for Avon LMC comments

“The BNSSG area is experiencing cuts by local authorities/Public Health. This is bound to have an adverse impact on the vulnerable groups, smoking and obesity services. Cuts in funding removes financial support from the national prevention programme and the principle of self-management for health personal health care. Also the cuts will result in a further increase in GP workload coming as it will at a time when general practice is in crisis.

The LMC has been actively working with Public Health to try to resolve some of the issues facing general practice.”

Long term

Without these Public Health services GPs are no longer able to refer patients to useful resources. As a result patients are likely to visit more often with related health issues, meaning reduced quality of life for patients and an increased workload for GPs.

Although cutting these costs will allow councils to manage their budget, the long term ramifications for patients and Practices alike could end up being more damaging and expensive.

For further reading please see the original article from Pulse Magazine.