<p>The last two years have seen an increase indebate and discussion about the contribution ofnurses to public health. Leading the way in this, the RCN published Public Health: Nursing Risesto the Challenge in 1994, and established a special interest group for nurses involved or interested in public health work. This was followed by thepublication in 1995 of Making it Happen: The Contribution, Role and Development of Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors by the standing Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee to the Department of Health in England and Wales.</p>