PUBLIC health services on the Isle of Wight and in Hampshire will be merged under a new long-term partnership ­— subject to Hampshire's approval.

The partnership would build on an interim arrangement between the Isle of Wight Council and Hampshire County Council (HCC), which has been in place since the Island's director of public health left in January 2018.

The proposal would mean the director responsible for public health services on the Isle of Wight would be employed by HCC for the foreseeable future.

Cllr Clare Mosdell, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, brought the recommendation to cabinet on Thursday last week.

Members voted unanimously in favour of entering the long-term partnership and agreed responsibility for deciding the full details would be delegated to Cllr Mosdell and John Metcalfe, the council's chief executive.

Cllr Mosdell said an open public health team would be employed directly by the Isle of Wight Council, but it was possible some posts in either the Isle of Wight Council or HCC would take responsibility for some work streams across the whole area.

The Isle of Wight Council would retain responsibility for public health policy and strategy to best meet the needs of the Island community.

The partnership plan has been backed by Public Health England and Cllr Mosdell said it would allow the authorities to share knowledge, expertise and resources.

She praised the 'pragmatic and dynamic' process of preparing the partnership, led by HCC in conjunction with her and Mr Metcalfe.

She said: "As a result of this work, the council is now more effectively fulfilling many of its public health obligations, especially in relation to the drugs and alcohol service, sexual health service and management of the public health team and a clear financial plan.

"We have built a strong foundation for our public health services and now have the opportunity to make a real difference to our communities lives through the strategic partnership recommended in this paper."

Cllr Dave Stewart, leader of the council, praised the existing relationships the Island had with Hampshire and other regions for children's services, infrastructure development and more.

He said: "I think what was shown is that we like partnerships that work well for us are good value for the Island. This is another example of us working in partnership to better the Isle of Wight."

The recommendation will go before HCC on July 22 and, if agreed, the new partnership will start on August 1.

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