Prevention better than cure

The government has announced funding for public health services for the next year.

Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"Any extra investment in public health services is welcome especially when many local councils are under huge financial pressure.

"Local services are vital to delivering the government's shift to prevention, promoting healthier lives, tackling deep-rooted health inequalities and easing pressure on a stretched NHS.

"But after many years of underinvestment and cuts there is a lot more to do to boost the nation's physical and mental health. A healthy economy and greater productivity rely on a healthy population.

"As the government seeks more economic growth, NHS trust leaders want to work hand in hand with it and councils to create the picture of national health we all want to see."