About Us

The South West Public Health Observatory (SWPHO) was created in 2005 as a result of a merger between the existing Public Health Observatory (Public Health Intelligence Team [PHIT]) and the South West Cancer Intelligence Service (SWCIS). It incorporates the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System of the South West (NDTMS).

What we aim to do:

• make it easier to access data and information about public health in the region

• provide support and help to people wanting to use such information in appropriate ways

• provide analysis in order to improve our understanding of health, and the factors which influence health, within the region.

For more information, see our About the South West Public Health Observatory leaflet. You can request hard copies for your own use or for circulation to colleagues by contacting communications@swpho.nhs.uk . For more general information about Public Health Observatories and what they do, see The Core Role and Functions of Public Health Observatories published by the Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO).

• For the latest news, see also our quarterly newsletter, SWPHOcus.

The geographical area covered by the SWPHO includes Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Isles of Scilly - the same as the South West Government Office Region - with a population of 5 million and, in the case of the South West Cancer Intelligence Service, includes Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, giving a total population coverage of 6.6 million.

SWPHO priorities are set strategically over a 5-year period and annually in the annual business plan. These long-term priorities, annual objectives and work plan are reviewed by the Public Health Intelligence Advisory and Cancer Intelligence Steering Groups, who are also consulted in their planning. They are signed off and monitored by the Regional Director of Public Health.

Membership of the Steering and Advisory Groups is as agreed in their Terms of Reference and members represent key stakeholder groups within the health service, public health, related professions and regional organisations.

• For more information, see the: Public Health Intelligence Advisory Group and SWPHO Cancer Intelligence Steering Group .