About us
We focus on improving the nation's health so that everyone can expect to live more of life in good health, and on levelling up health disparities to break the link between background and prospects for a healthy life.
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) will work across the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the rest of government, the healthcare system, local government and industry to be creative about how we shift our focus towards preventing ill health, in particular in the places and communities where there are the most significant disparities.
As part of DHSC, OHID brings together expert advice, analysis and evidence with policy development and implementation to shape and drive health improvement and equalities priorities for government.
Priorities
OHID will:
- identify and address health disparities, focusing on those groups and areas where health inequalities have greatest effect
- take action on the biggest preventable risk factors for ill health and premature death including tobacco, obesity and harmful use of alcohol and drugs
- work with the NHS and local government to improve access to the services which detect and act on health risks and conditions, as early as possible
- develop strong partnerships across government, communities, industry and employers, to act on the wider factors that contribute to people’s health, such as work, housing and education
- drive innovation in health improvement, harnessing the best of technology, analytics, and innovations in policy and delivery, to help deliver change where it is needed most
Responsibilities
National health improvement, prevention of poor health, and tackling health disparities
OHID is responsible for:
- building the scientific evidence, leading and developing the policy, and delivering core services around:
- healthy weight, healthy diet and physical activity
- improving the health of children and families
- smoking, addiction and the health of vulnerable groups
- leading the policy development and supporting the effective delivery of prevention services, helping individuals to better understand and manage their health
- building the scientific evidence on public mental health
Through a Work and Health joint unit with the Department for Work and Pensions, OHID leads on driving improvements in health and work outcomes.
Regional public health
OHID supports the delivery of national and regional priorities for prevention and health inequalities and ensuring a joined-up approach to public health, building strong interfaces with different teams and areas of public health across the regional system.
Public health analysis
OHID is responsible for:
- leading public health data management and analysis, publishing official statistics, statistical reports and analytical products
- delivering system-wide leadership, skills and knowledge transfer in public health analysis, epidemiology and data science
- leading surveillance of non-communicable disease
Public health advice on nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals
Under the leadership of the Chief Public Health Nurse, OHID leads international and national public health advice on nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals.