Public health in hospitals: new steps in old directions

A pilot scheme of hospital epidemiologists in the Northern and Yorkshire region has provided an exciting opportunity to promote a public health perspective among hospital clinicians. Responsibilities and roles of the posts include the promotion of clinical effectiveness and evidence-based practice, epidemiological support for audit, research and clinical evaluation, liaison with primary care and public health colleagues in health authorities, and the development and implementation of clinical guidelines. Although the posts are not restricted to public health specialists, public health training and skills provide an excellent foundation from which to meet the challenges that arise from the posts. We discuss some of the lessons learnt by two public health doctors from the early steps in this new direction.