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UK lagging in public health

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will announce plans today to save 30,000 lives in the coming seven years as new research reveals 'shocking' levels of premature death in comparison with other European and developed countries.

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'Shocking' health report 'a wake-up call'

New research highlighting Britain's poor public health has been referred to as a "wake up call" by health experts, whilst the health secretary Jeremy Hunt said Britain's health performance was "shocking" compared to other countries.

UK 'worse' for premature death

The report found that premature death rates were higher in the UK than other developed nations, with tobacco being named as the biggest individual risk factor for illness and disease in the UK.

The reality is that nearly all of these conditions are either preventable or amenable to early intervention, providing opportunities to make a substantial difference in people's lives, and reduce the tremendous psycho-social and economic burden of poor health on our society.

Ultimately, in order to really make a difference in improving our nation's health, concerted action will be required, with individuals, families, local communities, local councils, the NHS and government all taking responsibility and working together towards a healthier population.

– Professor Kevin Fenton, Public Health England (PHE)
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UK lagging in public health

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