Traces of old ideology in Labour's policy on NHS reform
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Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Donald Reid
Sir: The Labour Party's proposal (report, 30 June) to appoint a Minister for Public Health to "co-ordinate inter-departmental action to tackle health inequalities and to promote good health" is welcome. However, the minister's influence will be minimal if the post is based, as planned, within the Department of Health.
If the nation does intend to give priority to public health, the task needs to be given to a minister of cabinet rank with full authority to refer back the plans of other departments (including Health) if necessary. Obviously, this can only be achieved by a minister of substantial seniority and independence.
Health has always been too important to leave to the Department of Health.
Donald Reid
Executive Director
Association for Public Health
London, NW1
30 June
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