‘High Quality for All: NHS Next Stage Review Final Report’ (2008) committed primary care trusts to work in partnership with local authorities to commission comprehensive well-being and prevention services particularly covering obesity, alcohol harm, drug addiction, smoking, sexual health and mental health. A copy has already been placed in the Library. The Department has also sponsored guidance to improve commissioning of preventive services which was published by the Royal Society of Public Health in December 2009, and this is part of a programme of work to improve commissioning of health and well-being services.
Community pharmacies already play a key role providing local services such as stopping smoking, weight management and supporting drug misusers. A range of other initiatives and approaches are also being introduced to encourage the take up of preventive services and to offer support, such as the Lets Get Moving initiative which screens for physical inactivity. Other screening programmes include those for breast, cervical and bowel cancer.