What is public health?

Public Health is often described as the science and art of promoting and protecting health and well-being, preventing ill-health and prolonging life through the organised efforts of society.

Areas of public health health activity include health protection and screening, health promotion and improving health services all underpinned by health intelligence. In Orkney the public health department also supports the development of organisational and community resilience.

The Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008, places a duty on health boards and local authorities to promote and protect the health of the public.