Letters

Published: 01/08/2002, Volume II2, No. 5816 Page 21

I notice Marie McDevitt's letter of dismay (27 June) because the authors of the primary care trusts article ('Leading lights', pages 26-27, 7 June) did not mention any public health contribution to PCTs.

The key role of the PCT is to improve the health of the population, and in North Tees PCT this means that public health is automatically included in the organisational thinking.

The profile of public health involvement is very high and the organisation would wish to move away from separate academic silos of skills and expertise.

This is reflected in many ways within the organisation. For example, the recognition of the impact of the wider determinants of health informed the decision of the director of social services chairing the improving health and well-being sub-committee.

The PCT can boast of so many initiatives which focus on local neighbourhoods to improve health and reduce health inequalities, some of which have earned national recognition. Its strategic planning team was awarded a beacon status for being well connected with all relevant agencies.

The PCT is considering explicit commitment to annual percentage resource growth in areas of health promotion as it develops its strategic direction.

Dr Olatokunbo Sangowawa Director of public health North Tees primary care trust