The health of the population is determined by a range of complex and interconnected influences, many of which, such as poverty, inequality, housing, education, employment, mobility, transport and pollution, fall outside a medical remit. In order for nurses and other healthcare professionals to tackle public health, they not only need to engage with individuals, families and communities, but should also have the ability to influence the design and development of services and understand the new relationships with local authorities and other agencies.

Jane DeVille-Almond, Independent Nurse Consultant/Chair of the British Obesity Society; Senior Lecturer at the University of
Wolverhampton.