The public health movement is an old discipline being given new life and meaning based on a recognition of continuing health problems associated with social inequalities. The 'new public health' movement has goals which are closely aligned to those of the World Health Organization in their Health for All by 2000 initiative which represent a collective approach to health in contrast to the current political emphasis on individual responsibility for health. Public health nursing is a relatively new concept in Britain but posts are beginning to be established in many areas where nurses are working in partnership with communities in a public health capacity. At a time when this area of nursing is in its relative infancy it is appropriate to develop a clear philosophy and framework and to examine potential strategies. This paper sets out to contribute to the development of this discipline by critically analysing the work of Betty Neuman to determine its utility for public health nursing.