The Cheshire and Merseyside Directors of Public Health met for their system leadership meeting on Friday, 12th June 2026. The key messages from the meeting are below, along with items of good news and gratitude.
- Liverpool City Region (LCR) Marmot ambition – Shaun Dunbabin (Lead Officer – Health, Policy & Strategy) updated Directors on plans to formalise the Mayor’s commitment for LCR to become a Marmot City Region. A report will be presented to the LCR Combined Authority on 17 July recommending that the Combined Authority approve the proposal, adopt the Marmot principles, and embed health equity within its operational framework and across its devolved competencies and functions. This will support the Combined Authority in meeting its new statutory health duty, taking action across the social, economic and environmental determinants of health and advancing its ambitions to ensure all residents live healthier lives for longer. Directors gave their full endorsement to the plans.
- Cheshire and Merseyside Sexual Health Commissioners update – Jon Dunn (UKHSA) and James Woolgar (Liverpool City Council) shared a presentation with the latest data for sexually transmitted infections and the creation of a HIV action plan for Cheshire and Merseyside. Directors thanked all group members for their excellent leadership and impact.
- Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) review – Sharon McAteer (Halton Council) and John Highton (Wirral Council) recently conducted a review of the previous PNA, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. A meeting with DHSC and the ADPH is planned. Directors considered a range of options for the forthcoming PNA, which is due 1 October 2028.
- UKHSA update – Management of the Hantavirus outbreak is ongoing, with a few contacts remaining at Arrowe Park until the end of the isolation period on 22 June. Small clusters of Measles cases are still being seen. A ‘one off’ Meningitis B vaccination will be given this summer to eligible young adults in the light of the recent outbreak in Kent, on advice of the four Chief Medical Officers.
- LGA public health improvement programme – Kay Burkett outlined the new programme including public health peer reviews. Cheshire West and Chester Council will be in the first cohort. Kay also updated on the Public Health Learning Exchange and the Public Health Strengths and Risk Self-Assessment online tool.
- Directors’ strategic planning meeting with senior leaders – Directors approved the draft agenda focused on workforce wellbeing, development and culture. Further ideas were discussed around the wider workforce.
Good news and gratitude
- A child poverty conference, held on 11 June and hosted by the Citizens Advice Bureau, was chaired by Dave Bradburn and closed by Matt Ashton. West Cheshire’s anti-poverty team also presented their work which was received positively.
- Wirral has been shortlisted for the UK National Go Awards for the Cheshire and Merseyside Inpatient Detoxification Framework hosted by Wirral Council (Collaborative Procurement Initiative Award – Local Government, Housing & Education) and Wirral Community Connector Service (Excellence in Social Value Award – Local Government & Housing).
- An invitation has been received from the LGA for the Collaborative to host a national lunch and learn session in the Autumn.
- The Liverpool Place Population Management initiative won the neighbourhood health award at the inaugural NHS Excellence Awards.
- The NHS prevention accelerator sites were formally launched in Liverpool City Region.
- Ian Ashworth took part in a panel discussion at NHS Expo with DHSC and the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, last week.
- Thanks to all colleagues working together on the Hantavirus outbreak as the isolation period at Arrowe Park nears completion.
