Welcome to the Liverpool City Council 2022 Public Health Annual Report

Liverpool’s city plan sets out our ambition to create a thriving, sustainable, fair city for everyone – and good physical and mental health and wellbeing is central to us achieving this.

We know the pandemic has worsened many existing health issues in our city, so this year saw a renewed commitment to improving health and wellbeing at every stage of life and to tackling health inequalities. 

We have seen communities impacted by a cost-of-living crisis and our front-line health services operating under immense pressure – which is why we continue to invest in services that can help improve health outcomes and prevent people from developing poor health.

I introduced my ‘Triple Lock’ philosophy to ensure that people, planet and equality are central to everything we do, so I’m delighted to see these themes embedded throughout this report – with areas like climate change being addressed through the Healthy Cities network and how social value is being delivered via the Community Champions. 

It’s also amazing to hear that Public Health is championing equality though the current LGBTQ+ health needs assessment – the first of its kind for the city.

There’s a proud history of bold and innovative public health interventions in our city, and I’m immensely proud that creative and visionary programmes are being replicated today.

Mayor Joanne Anderson

It’s been another incredible year for the Public Health team in Liverpool – and I’m immensely proud to be the cabinet member for Social Care and Health.

Reflecting on 2022 – I can’t quite believe what has been achieved and the continued progress that’s been made in addressing the health inequalities experienced in our city.

Statistically speaking if you’re from a deprived area you are more likely to have a shorter life and spend more time in poor health – but this isn’t a narrative that we’re prepared to accept.

The year began with the ongoing response to pandemic, and the introduction on plan b measures, but ended with news that Liverpool had exceeded our fast-track cities targets for HIV – meaning we’re well on track to eliminating the virus by 2030.

Last year saw our Director of Public Health recognised by the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty for Liverpool’s response to the pandemic and our sexual health service, Axess awarded a prestigious national award.

Liverpool’s innovative women’s health hubs are also now seen as an example of national best practice. 

As ever, better investment for prevention will always be key – enabling the system to drive up improvements in health and wellbeing, allowing more people to live longer, healthier lives.

There’s lots of information in this report, both achievements and challenges – so thank you for taking the time to read it and for working alongside us, as we continue to address health inequalities together.