The South West Public Health Observatory (SWPHO) utilizes statistical and epidemiological expertise to improve the health of the population by providing public health intelligence. Established in 2000, SWPHO collaborates with various stakeholders, including NHS decision-makers and local authorities, to monitor health status, identify needs, and develop health programs. The observatory offers reports, analytical tools, training, and continuous professional development to support public health professionals in the region.

1. South West Public Health Observatory
Health Intelligence and the role of the
South West Public Health Observatory
(SWPHO)

2. South West Public Health Observatory
What is public health intelligence?
The use of statistical and epidemiological expertise
to collate, analyse and interpret data to inform our
understanding of the health of the population or
specific population groups.

3. South West Public Health Observatory
South West Public Health Observatory
 Established in 2000
 Merged With South West Cancer Intelligence Service in 2005
 Main Base(s) – Whiteladies Road, Bristol & West Dean, Nr Salisbury,
Wiltshire.
 Director – Dr Julia Verne
 Main components;
 Cancer Registration
 Public Health Intelligence Team
 Cancer Analysis Team
 National Drug Treatment Monitoring Service
 Pubs/Coms, BMT, IT Support

4. South West Public Health Observatory
Our aim
“To improve the health of the population in the South
West by working with partners to provide a seamless
public health intelligence service that enables better
decision-making locally, regionally and nationally.”
Better information, better decisions, better health

5. South West Public Health Observatory
Funding and accountability
 Funded by the Department of Health
 Accountable to the Regional Director of Public Health

6. South West Public Health Observatory
SWO Network

7. APHO Network
www.apho.org.uk

8. South West Public Health Observatory
Who uses this information…
A wide variety of stakeholders including:
 decision makers in:
– the NHS (e.g. Strategic Health Authority, Primary
Care Trusts, Acute Hospital Trusts)
– Local Authorities
– regional organisations and agencies
 other health-related professionals
 the general public/patients

9. South West Public Health Observatory
… and why?
 to monitor the health status of the community
 identify health needs
 develop programmes to reduce risk and screen for early
disease
 foster policies which promote health
 plan and evaluate the provision of health care
 manage and implement change.

10. South West Public Health Observatory
How do we help?
By:
 providing access to data and information about public
health in the region
 supporting those who need this information to use it in
appropriate ways
 analysing, interpreting and contextualising data to
understand population health and its determinants,
treatment, outcomes and trends
 providing training and continuing professional
development for public health professionals in the region.

11. South West Public Health Observatory
Outputs
 Reports
 Online analytical tools and data sets
 Website – wide range of resources
 Lead area and national products
 Posters and presentations
 Co-publications and contributions to partner
organisation outputs
 Information request service

12. South West Public Health Observatory
Examples – what do we get asked

13. South West Public Health Observatory
A Local Authority member
What are the health and
social care issues in
my community?

14. South West Public Health Observatory
Local Authority Health Profiles

15. South West Public Health Observatory
Other profiling tools
 Practice profiles
 Alcohol profiles
 Diabetes profiles
 Sexual health profiles
 Child and infant health
profiles
 Obesity e-atlas

16. South West Public Health Observatory
Population projections tool

17. South West Public Health Observatory
A Strategic Health Authority
performance manger
Is the SW achieving the
public health targets?

18. South West Public Health Observatory
Public health performance reports

19. South West Public Health Observatory
A Commissioner
What is the best use of resources
in order to maximise health gain
for the population?

20. South West Public Health Observatory
Supporting commissioning and informing decision
making
 Interventions to reduce health inequalities
400
450
500
550
600
650
2000-2 2001-3 2002-4 2003-5 2004-6 2005-7 2006-8 2007-9
DSR/100,000
Dorset DSR South West
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
2000-2 2001-3 2002-4 2003-5 2004-6 2005-7 2006-8 2007-9
DSR/100,000
Dorset most dep quintile Dorset least dep quintile

21. South West Public Health Observatory
Health Inequalities Intervention Tool

22. South West Public Health Observatory
A Director of Public Health
What are the emerging
public health issues in
the South West?

23. South West Public Health Observatory
Highlighting issues of concern - Alcohol

24. South West Public Health Observatory
Highlighting issues of concern: Melanoma

25. South West Public Health Observatory
A member of the public
I live near Hinkley Point
power station –
should I be worried?

26. South West Public Health Observatory
Responding to public
interest stories

27. South West Public Health Observatory
A new Analyst working in a PCT
How can I learn the skills
I need to do my job?

28. South West Public Health Observatory
Courses, training and networking
 SWINPHO (Analyst network, quarterly meetings)
 Training
 CPD
 Advice and ad-hoc support

29. South West Public Health Observatory
Training & development
Information networks
Each APHO region/country facilitates regular discussions
across a network of information staff to encourage:
• Sharing best practice/methodologies
• Exploration of opportunities for shared work
• Awareness raising of potential future work areas
• Cascade of National/Regional PH intelligence related
policies etc

30. South West Public Health Observatory
Training & development
 Example 5 day introduction to PH intelligence
Course outline:
– Day 1 Foundation Day – Background & Context
– Day 2 Data handling and data sources 1
– Day 3 Data handling and data sources 2
– Day 4 Public health tools and techniques
– Day 5 Applied Public Health Intelligence

31. South West Public Health Observatory
Training & development
Public Health Intelligence Training schemes:
 Independently most PHOs have started trainee public health analysts.
 Strategies vary according to local need.
 SWPHO has appointed a second cohort of three trainees for 18
months.
– 9 months placement at PHO – learning the trade
– 9 months placement at PCT – actively involved in delivery of PCT
intelligence function

32. South West Public Health Observatory
Training & development
APHO technical group co-ordinates :
 analysis and technical developments to mutual benefit.
 internal CPD opportunities for analysts
 production of technical bulletins........

33. South West Public Health Observatory

34. South West Public Health Observatory
Further details in …

35. South West Public Health Observatory
… and on our website
www.swpho.nhs.uk

36. South West Public Health Observatory
Keep in touch
 Register on our website – www.swpho.nhs.uk
 Join our mailing list
– Quarterly newsletter (SWPHOcus)
– Monthly email alerts for new website content
Contact us
 info@swpho.nhs.uk

37. South West Public Health Observatory
NHS White Paper/ PH White Paper and other
developments
?