The context of health promotion in the NHS

In connection with "Working for Patients" health authorities have been asked by the NHS Management Executive how they intend to perform their "core" functions. "Core" tasks for regions include: "monitoring and promoting the health of their populations (including the functions set out in HC(88)64), determining with districts and FPCs, the health needs of their resident populations; collecting and managing information which facilitates this. . ." ". . . District, in close collaboration with FPCs, will retain a key role in ensuring that the health needs of their populations are met; that there are effective services for the prevention and control of diseases and the promotion of health." Amanda Killoran reviews the context of health promotion in the NHS, and indicates the importance of developing nationally integrated programmes of disease prevention and health promotion.