Web source tackles public health issues

The BMJ Group – a national healthcare information provider – has launched a new Health intelligence service to help tackle public health issues such as smoking, drinking and obesity.

The central web source collects evidence on local projects, policies, targets and guidelines to illustrate countrywide policies in order to provide public health professionals with evidence to help them deliver effective national policies.

It has been trialled by more than 100 universities, Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and government departments.

According to data on the website, 32 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women in England drink more than recommended weekly limits and one third of UK adults will be obese by 2010.

BMJ Health Intelligence editor Dr Alison Walker said: “It’s good news that public health is now at the top of the government’s agenda, but health professionals were telling us that reliable information was not always easy to find.

“By providing easy access to data, tools and real-life examples of good practice, we will help practitioners quickly identify important trends in their local area and decide where to focus efforts for maximum effect.”