Health governor for schools in a bid to tackle childhood obesity

Councillor Donna Martin, Rochdale Borough Council cabinet member for children

Under plans announced by Labour, medical professionals are to be invited to serve on every school governing body in the borough.

The Department of Health estimates the cost of treating obesity and health related illnesses such as diabetics, strokes and osteoarthritis costs the NHS £6 billion a year.

Councillor Donna Martin, Rochdale Borough Council cabinet member for children, said: "Obesity in young people is a ticking time bomb. It's a nationwide problem and it's getting worse year on year. Overweight children become overweight adults and face a range of chronic health problems as they get older.

"Many overweight children, particularly girls, suffer from lack of confidence which often affects their performance at school. That in turn hinders their life chances later on.

"Each school will have to approve the new post and will recruit the new governors from the local community.

"Health governors could be doctors, nurses, health visitors or other health professionals. I am sure there would be no shortage of volunteers to take up these important roles."

The Council is also prioritising its £13m public health budget to target the problem and support schools to reduce the number of overweight pupils.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for health, said: "Every parent and every teacher has a role to play. Child obesity is no longer a problem, it is becoming a crisis.

"Labour's new health governors will have a key role in not only raising awareness of the issue, but ensuring it is a priority and that schools have robust plans to make sure all our children are active and healthy."