Public Health

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Recommended: Importance of epidemiology in health

A key factor, for which the UK’s population growth can be attributed to, is the advancement within medicine and the increased understanding of the causes of disease and premature death. Public health has made transition through three significant phases: Industrial Revolution, Therapeutic Revolution and New Public Health. Through analysing and evaluating the conditions, services and breakthroughs within public health, this essay will review the contributions towards current strategies and services concerning public health. During the industrial revolution, John Snow – a British physician, made a major breakthrough in his field of epidemiology. In 1854, he plotted the location of over 10,000 Cholera death cases within London. Snow proved the previous miasma theory to be wrong when his investigations discovered that it was in fact water-borne. His map showed there was a concentration of deaths centred on one particular water pump in ‘Broad Street,’ which obtained its contaminated supply from a section of the River Thames. He ordered the pump’s handle to be changed to ensure that any germs had been destroyed. Subsequently cholera cases diminished thereafter and Snow began to inform the public on how to avoid cholera germs. In rejection of Snow’s germ theory, an advocator of the Poor Law – Edwin Chadwick (1800-1890) became committed to proving that poor living conditions, including poor sanitation, caused certain diseases such as cholera. It was his research and appointment as The Public Health Director which brought about the first Public Health Act to effect major reform towards the prevention of public ill-health. His proposal to improve drainage and water supplies has contributed to the UK’s excellent sanitation standard... ... middle of paper ... ...om this point, can flag up concern for local authorities, which often leads to time and money being spent in other areas. Investigations seeking to hold someone accountable, legal battles and compensation payouts cost the NHS millions. However, there are government figures that work for the public to try and reduce the risks of illness and disease by advising and improving on standards; they also have legal authority to prosecute and enforce the law, on factors detrimental to public health and mortality. The Environmental Health Officer works within the local authorities and is responsible to investigate all complaints and incidents concerning issues such as: pollution (waste and noise); food poisoning; accidents at work. They carry out quality controls and ensure inspections are preventing any crisis from occurring. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE):

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