Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Chris Whitty has outlined a broad range of health opportunities and challenges for city populations in his annual report.
The CMO reports have been released annually over 150 years, providing an independent assessment of the state of the public’s health in England.
The report, which features case studies from core cities in England, including Manchester, recognises physical activity as one of the best ways to preserve health.
The Executive Summary and Recommendations is available on the government website.
As well as city case studies, the report also delves into city contexts such as housing, homelessness, the food environment, mental health and active travel.
Eve Holt was part of the three-person team responsible for co-authoring the active travel chapter.
Eve worked alongside retired Director of Public Health Eleanor Roaf and Dr Jo Maher, an NHS GP and Physical Activity Clinical Champion, on the content which includes six recommendations for urban policy makers.
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty said:
“Cities provide great opportunities for a healthier life but many, especially in areas of deprivation, have poor access to healthy food choices, exercise and are exposed to air pollution. These are soluble problems.
“People move frequently within cities which contain a diversity of population groups – the health system must adapt to them, not the other way around.
“There are many older citizens living in cities and it is important they are supported to live healthier lives. Addressing the health challenges of cities require a broad range of actions from policymakers, the NHS and individual citizens.”
Each city case study is written by public health professionals with Manchester’s chapter written by:
- Cordelle Ofori – Director of Public Health, Manchester City Council
- Sarah Griffiths – North Manchester Strategy Lead, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
- Neil Bendel – Public Health Specialist (Health Intelligence), Manchester City Council
- Katie McCall – Strategic Lead for Making Manchester Fairer, Manchester City Council
- Sharmila Kar – Joint Director for Equality and Engagement (Manchester Locality/Manchester City Council), NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
