Public Health Network Cymru

Public Health Wales has coordinated national public health networks for the topics of physical activity and nutrition, mental health promotion and sexual health for a number of years.

An external evaluation conducted in 2009, looking at the work of these Networks, identified that the networks were well subscribed, influential at both strategic and individual level and highly valued. A subsequent evaluation conducted in 2013 reiterated the value of these professional networks.

The Health Improvement Review included some reference to the networks and proposed that their scope be reconsidered, with some concerns expressed that a focus on a small number of priority issues, whilst valuable, was not sustainable across the spectrum of public health issues that require similar consideration.

Public Health Network Cymru has been developed as the next step in the evolution of the public health networks, merging the four existing Networks into one all encompassing service, offering a ‘one-stop shop’ for practitioners working on public health topics in Wales.

Mae Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru wedi cydgysylltu rhwydweithiau iechyd cyhoeddus cenedlaethol ar gyfer y meysydd gweithgaredd corfforol a maeth, hybu iechyd meddwl ac iechyd rhywiol ers nifer o flynyddoedd.

Dangosodd gwerthusiad allanol a gynhaliwyd yn 2009 a oedd yn edrych ar waith y Rhwydweithiau hyn fod nifer sylweddol o bobl wedi ymuno â nhw, eu bod yn ddylanwadol ar lefel strategol ac unigol a’u bod yn werthfawr. Ailbwysleisiwyd gwerth y rhwydweithiau proffesiynol hyn mewn gwerthusiad dilynol a gynhaliwyd yn 2013.

Cafwyd ambell gyfeiriad at y rhwydweithiau yn yr Adolygiad Gwella Iechyd a chynigiwyd y dylid ailystyried eu cwmpas. Mynegwyd rhai pryderon ynghylch y ffaith nad oedd canolbwyntio ar nifer fach o faterion â blaenoriaeth, er eu bod yn werthfawr, yn gynaliadwy ar draws y sbectrwm o faterion iechyd cyhoeddus y mae angen ystyriaeth debyg arnynt.

Mae Rhwydwaith Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru wedi cael ei ddatblygu fel y cam nesaf yn y broses o ddatblygu’r rhwydweithiau iechyd cyhoeddus, gan uno’r pedwar Rhwydwaith presennol yn un gwasanaeth hollgynhwysfawr, er mwyn cynnig ‘siop un stop’ i ymarferwyr sy’n gweithio ar bynciau iechyd cyhoeddus yng Nghymru.

Public Health Network Cymru’s tracks

• British Heart Foundation - Adam Fletcher by Public Health Network Cymru
• Healthy Schools - Rachel Dicker | English by Public Health Network Cymru
• Healthy Schools Rachel Dicker | Welsh by Public Health Network Cymru
• Basic Income, Health and Wales - Adam Jones and Public Health Network Cymru by Public Health Network Cymru
• Valleys Regional Park - Dan Lock and Julie Davies by Public Health Network Cymru
• Vaccine Hesitancy in Wales before and during COVID-19 - Anne McGowan and Public Health Network Cymru by Public Health Network Cymru
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Children - Dr Claire Thomas and Public Health Network Cymru by Public Health Network Cymru
• PHNC Podcast: Multi-sport Learning Disabilities podcast by Public Health Network Cymru