Improving health in Mersey

This chapter sets the scene for the pioneering work in public health carried out in the Liverpool health region from the 1980s onwards. It describes the situation that was left after the tide had gone out on the local authority-based arrangements that had served public health well for almost 150 years and identifies the green shoots of the New Public Health that was about to make its appearance. The key role of visionary and influential leaders who kept the flame alive and handed on the baton to a new generation leading to novel approaches centred on the new notion of health promotion is acknowledged. The importance of developing multidisciplinary and partnership working based on a sound analysis of the challenges to health is stressed. The strategic approach adopted, blending the science and art of public health practise on a foundation of pragmatism and broad-based support is a golden thread.