Why a War Analogy?

Because it is right. Because we have been forced into it.

Public Health is important. We are instrumental in ensuring that a sound analysis of the needs (not wants) of our populations are carried out, that this leads to a sound analysis of what we need to commission and, crucially, that we negotiate with clinical colleagues to make sure this happens. It is clear that those in charge of the procurement of health services do not believe this.

I choose my words with care. We are faced with an enormous funding crisis, yet the only clinical group that can help to ameliorate this has been sidelined and all but annihilated. Why has this happened?

I am not sure. Clearly, we have failed to sell our wares. Possibly, the Faculty of Public Health has not focussed sufficiently on the the aspects of Health Services Public Health. Or, maybe, the Government does not want to listen? I have lost count of the hours I have spent trying to explain the realities of health services public health to ministers. It appears that I am useless at what I am trying to do. I can only apologise to public health colleagues. I did my best.