Torbay Council
Public Health Specialty Training in Torbay
About Torbay
Torbay is a coastal unitary authority with a population of 136,000 covering the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. It has a stunning natural environment and is a popular tourist destination. Alongside this there are high levels of poverty, inequalities and ill-health.
Torbay has a national reputation for integrated care, with a public sector committed to working in a joined-up way to improve health and wellbeing and to deliver excellence in health and care.
We have a very active community sector and work in partnership across voluntary and statutory organisations on all of our public health programmes.
This commitment provides a firm foundation on which to tackle the significant health and wellbeing challenges experienced by our population.
Key challenges:
- Many people in Torbay experience significant poverty – Torbay is ranked as the most deprived local authority in the south west region, with high proportions of children living in poverty and in contact with care services
- There are significant inequalities, with a six year difference in life expectancy between areas of high and lower deprivation
- Many people live alone and we have a high proportion of old and young carers
- Torbay is a significant national outlier for suicide and self-harm
- The proportion of the population living with long term conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory diseases is high and increasing
- More than 1 in 4 people across Torbay are estimated to be obese and 2 in 3 people are overweight
- Rates of violent crime, domestic violence and abuse, and youth offending, are high.
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Torbay 2023-2024
Our team
In Torbay we are a small team but a passionate one. We are at the forefront of integrated working and have high levels of trust and good relationships, not only across the Council but also within the Integrated Care System and Local Care Partnership. Our DPH sits on the CCG Governing Body and is the Senior Responsible Officer for inequalities within Devon.
Why come to Torbay?
- We welcome registrars and other trainees, and learn a lot from all who have trained with us
- We have excellent academic and research links
- Being a relatively small, unitary authority, we have extensive opportunities for registrars to get involved in and lead on a wide range of programmes
- Team members are held in high regard across the partnership and we believe strongly in co-production and collaboration. If you want to learn working in complex adaptive systems, this is the place.
Examples of recent registrar work projects
Alcohol and healthy behaviours health needs assessments
Development of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Exploration of the role of Public Health in tackling climate change
Review of experience of screening services for people with severe mental illness
Key contact
For further information, please contact:
Julia.Chisnell@Torbay.gov.uk Specialty Tutor
Torbay Council Full Prospectus
Public Health Department
Tor Hill House
Union Street
Torquay
TQ2 5QW
Last updated January 2024