FPH publishes discussion paper on the NHS’ role in prevention

The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) has published a discussion paper on the role of the NHS in prevention. This paper, intended for anyone who works within or in partnership with the NHS, explores the role of ‘prevention’, which in the context of the NHS refers to actions that contribute directly or indirectly to prevent ill health or premature mortality.

This publication is part of a wider research project led by the Faculty to support policy development and examine the role of the NHS in ill health prevention, and it builds upon a previous discussion paper published by the FPH in 2019 and its findings, as well as feedback gathered from a consultation with public health professionals in 2024.

This refreshed discussion paper, led by the FPH Health Services Committee aims to re-examine the role of the NHS in prevention in the light of the changes that have taken place within healthcare and the wider society since 2019. It makes the case that prevention should occur at all levels within the NHS – from preventing a health problem from developing to early disease detection, intervention and treatment, and actions to diminish adverse consequences from an existing health problem.

When developing and delivering prevention actions, it is vital that NHS organisations and partners take action to ensure that existing health inequalities are not widened, for example due to poorer uptake amongst groups who are in greatest need.

The discussion paper highlights that prevention actions not only contribute towards improving population health and wellbeing, but also towards alleviating the long-term economic burden on the NHS associated with treating late-presenting, complicated diseases.

An executive summary of the discussion paper is available to read here.