The Public Health Directorate has launched its Business Plan 2017-2020, summarising what it aims to deliver over the next three years.

A division of the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health focuses on improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of the Island’s population.

Previously produced on an annual basis only within the DHSC, the business plan is being made publicly available for the first time to encourage engagement with colleagues across government, the third sector and all Island residents.

And the new three-year rolling work programme is designed to reflect the timescales necessary to complete many of the projects contained in it.

Focus is being placed within the document on health improvements that will come through the reduction of risk factors across the Manx population: overweight and obesity; oral health; drug and alcohol misuse; smoking; sexual health; and poor emotional and mental health.

The plan provides an outline of priority areas and how Public Health intends to make the best use of resources.

Director of Public Health Dr Henrietta Ewart said: ‘We will publish quarterly progress reports so that we are accountable for delivering what we set out to do and provide readers with an update on the progress for that reporting period.

‘Improving health and wellbeing at population level requires co-ordinated efforts across government, the third sector, communities and families.

‘We look forward to working with the community to make a real difference over the years ahead.’

The business plan links directly to the Programme for Government, in creating an environment for residents to live longer, healthier lives, and the DHSC’s five-year strategy 2016-2021, which aims to encourage people to take greater responsibility for their own health and make good lifestyle choices.

Read the Public Health Directorate Business Plan 2017-2020 here.

Photo - Director of Public Health Dr Henrietta Ewart.