Public Health

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Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society.

The 2024 Director of Public Health Annual Report for the Western Isles demonstrates how the science and art of Public Health were integrated throughout the year, to achieve the best possible population health outcomes. It describes and celebrates the work undertaken, highlighting key focus areas and deliverables.

It incorporates feedback from stakeholders and the public, to showcase the benefit of this work to individuals and communities. While much has been achieved, there is more to do. The population of the Western Isles is the oldest, and most rapidly declining, in Scotland. This poses major Public Health challenges, exacerbated by a range of geographic, social, and economic factors.

Looking to the future, the NHS Western Isles Public Health Team will continue to tackle these challenges, by building on the progress so far. The journey will be neither fast nor easy, but it will undoubtedly be worthwhile.

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