Introduction to public health

Introduction

In North Tyneside there’s a lot we can do as individuals to stay healthy and well, but the council also has a role to play.

Our public health team is made up of professionals, led by the Director of Public Health, whose role it is to improve and protect the health of local residents. They focus on preventing ill health and early deaths, as well as protecting people's health in major emergencies.

The team works closely with other colleagues in the Council and key partners across the Borough - NHS, businesses, pharmacies, hospitals, schools, the community and voluntary sector and local people to make sure that health is made a priority in every area of life, and that everyone has access to the support and services they need to be healthy.

Why is it important to stay healthy and well?

Healthy people tend to have a better quality of life, more independence, are able to make more of their own choices and have better life chances.

A healthy lifestyle can help prevent you from developing long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure. Simple changes like eating healthily, regular exercise, drinking sensibly, being smoke-free, practicing safe sex and managing your stress levels can all help to keep you in good health.

Additional information and key documents

The work of the public health team is driven by the Council Plan and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which is informed by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

The NHS, local authorities and the community, voluntary and social enterprise sectors (VCSE) have also come together to develop a plan to improve health and care in the North East and North Cumbria. The better health and wellbeing for all plan sets out how we will reduce inequalities, improve experiences of our health and care services and improve the health and wellbeing of people living and working in our region by 2030 and beyond.