Public Health Spotlight Episode 16 – London Borough of Hackney & City of London

Exploring Public Health: Director Sandra Husbands Discusses Strategies and Community Engagement

In this episode of Public Health Spotlight, host Maisie Hockings welcomes Dr. Sandra Husbands, Director of Public Health at the London Borough of Hackney and the City of London. Dr. Sandra Husbands shares her extensive career journey in public health, from her initial medical training to her current role, highlighting a pivotal moment during her experience in Brazil where she recognised the critical role of better living conditions in disease prevention.

Please read on for a preview of this engaging episode and what you can expect to learn.

From Medicine to Public Health: Dr. Sandra Husbands’ Journey

Dr. Sandra Husbands’ career path exemplifies a dedicated pursuit of public health excellence, deeply rooted in a desire to make impactful change. Originally trained in medicine, Dr. Husbands transitioned into public health, driven by a realization that she could effect more significant change at a population level than through individual patient care. Her early career included explorations in scientific research, ultimately leading her to the public health arena where she found her true calling in communal well-being and disease prevention.

Directing Public Health in Hackney and the City of London

As the Director of Public Health for Hackney and the City of London, Dr. Husbands has led her team through diverse challenges unique to these areas. Juggling dual responsibilities and working across two distinctive local authorities, she Emphasise the importance of aligning with community-specific health needs. In Hackney, characterised by diverse demographics and significant health inequalities, and the City of London with its small population but unique challenges like port health, Dr. Husbands adeptly balances the different regulatory landscapes and policy priorities.

Successful Initiatives and Community Engagement

Under her leadership, the public health department has tackled issues ranging from suicide prevention to health intelligence innovations. Noteworthy is the collaborative suicide prevention strategy in the City of London, which successfully reduced attempts through a synergy of community resources and focused initiatives. Dr. Husbands champions community participation as a cornerstone of public health, believing that real change comes from listening to and working with local residents.

The Role of Technology and Innovation

Recognising the rising role of data and technology, Dr. Husbands pilots initiatives leveraging AI to streamline processes like report generation, representing her forward-thinking approach. Her vision includes ensuring that technology aids rather than supplants public health efforts, thereby enhancing outcome efficiency and insight generation.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

In a rapidly evolving public health landscape, Dr. Husbands is optimistic about future opportunities, particularly the potential for more integrative work with the NHS under the government’s health agendas. She underscores the necessity of maintaining flexibility amidst shifting policy environments, aiming to continue impactful public health practices without undue constraints.

Guidance for Aspiring Professionals

For those entering the field, Dr. Husbands Emphasise the importance of keeping a broad perspective on public health rather than becoming narrowly focused. She advises new consultants to actively pursue diverse experiences to remain adaptable and employable, advocating for an unwavering commitment to community-informed and evidence-based practices.

Closing Insights

Dr. Husbands’ career trajectory has been marked by a drive to address health disparities and improve population health through strategic leadership and community collaboration. Her story serves as an inspiration for current and future public health professionals committed to societal well-being and social justice.

Click the link below to listen or find us on your preferred podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring dedicated public health professionals making a difference in their communities.

Stay tuned for more episodes featuring dedicated public health professionals who are making a significant impact in their communities.