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

In this episode of Public Health Spotlights, 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.

The conversation explores the various challenges and opportunities inherent in overseeing public health across two distinct local authorities. Dr. Husbands discusses her responsibilities, including overseeing a diverse team addressing issues from substance abuse to suicide prevention. She reflects on the importance of community engagement and the innovative use of technology and data, such as AI for report generation and interactive data presentation. 

Additionally, Dr. Husbands shares insights on successful initiatives such as the City's collaborative suicide prevention efforts. She emphasise the significance of community participation, and the pilot of a community-led needs assessment to better align public health services with community needs. For public health professionals, students, or anyone interested in community health and leadership, this episode offers a deep dive into the multifaceted challenges and innovations in urban public health, highlighting the crucial balance between strategic oversight and community engagement. 

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.