Describe the origins of public health in the UK

The first 200 words of this essay...

National Diploma Health and Social Care in Health Studies

Unit 12 Public Health

Task 1 Section 1B - P2 Describe the origins of public health in the UK

19th Century

Sir Edwin Chadwick

Sir Edwin Chadwick was a social advocate or reformer in England who lived between 1800 and 1890. He's especially known for his work in the reform of the Poor Laws and also the improvements of sanitary conditions and public health. Chadwick strongly believed that if improvements to public health were made, it would save money.

Chadwick was employed by the Royal commission to enquire into the Poor Laws in 1982 and by 1983 was made a full member of the Royal Commission. Working with Nassau William Senior they drafted what was to be the famous report of 1834, which recommended the reform of the old Poor Laws. From their findings the 'Poor Laws Act' of 1834 was passed which lead to the reform of the country's poverty relief system, created a centralised system of public health and improve the sanitation of the general public. Another act which Chadwick had a part in, is the 'Public Health Act 1848'. The