Public Health England 2013 Annual Conference: highlights and looking ahead.

Abstract

Overview - Anthony Kessel and Emmeline BuckleyThe historian Dorothy Porter has described public health as collective action in relation to the health of populations. This definition de-emphasizes the contributions of professionals or particular interest groups, and instead stresses the essential collaborative nature of public health work. The sentiment of Porter's definition was at the heart of the 2013 Public Health England (PHE) Annual Conference.Held on 10 - 11th September 2013, this was the inaugural conference for PHE, the new national public health organization. As such, the meeting was oriented towards bringing together a range of partners and stakeholders from the diverse public health landscape of this country, and providing a forum to galvanize the new public health system.Over 1300 delegates attended the conference, including representatives from PHE, local authorities, NHS, universities, the voluntary sector, government departments and the many other organizations and groups that work collectively in relation to population and community health. Around 30 delegates from over 15 countries overseas were warmly welcomed. Over the two days the programme included over 40 sessions covering areas such as sexual health, social determinants, population healthcare, global health, transport and local government, unemployment and health inequalities, emerging diseases, the national vaccination programme, mental health and antimicrobial resistance. There were also more than 300 posters on display.In this edition of Perspectives we have the opportunity to present a series of brief snapshots of the days' events. The articles cover a wide range of issues including: the progress of an intervention to reduce teenage pregnancy in Hull; developing capacity in the field epidemiology workforce; and assessing environmental chemical exposures. Also included is the write-up of an award-winning poster, describing a partnership approach to preventing excess winter deaths in Lancashire.3 These papers go some way towards showcasing the breadth of expertise on display at the conference. Further examples of the work presented at the PHE conference can be found in the Royal Society for Public Health's sister journal, Public Health.Overall, the conference managed to display the strength of talent amongst those involved in public health in this country, and also exemplified the immense importance of collaboration with partners across sectors in the UK and internationally. The conference set a benchmark in terms of scientific quality as well as practical significance for public health delivery, and has provided a platform on which the second PHE conference in 2014 can build.Improving the health and wellbeing of adolescents: what can we learn from Europe and apply locally? - Ann Hoskins and Fiona BrooksThere are 7.4 million adolescents aged 10-19 living in the UK, representing 12% of the total UK population - the same proportion as the over-70s age group.1 Although considerable gains over the latter half the twentieth century have been made in terms of reductions in infant mortality and increased life expectancy for older people, adolescents have experienced relatively less improvement in their health and well-being than other age groups.2The second decade of life marks an important phase in the life course; not only do young people have to traverse important physical and developmental milestones, but they also gain greater autonomy and control over decision- making relating to health and health behaviours. Health-related behaviours established in adolescence, such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption and dietary habits and physical activity, may influence future health, with implications for long term conditions, health complaints and emotional well- being and mental health.The current generation of children entering adolescence and early adulthood also face considerable new challenges, including increasing academic expectations and uncertainties about future employment as well as changing social relationships (increasingly influenced by the presence of social media and the virtual world). …