We need to improve the quality of life for people in vulnerable groups, to increase their access to quality health care, to reduce illness and increase life expectancy. This means promoting healthier, more active lifestyles.
At present
- Life expectancy is much lower than the national average.
- There are clear variations in health and lifestyle compared to elsewhere in the region.
- Cancer, heart disease and respiratory disorders are major killers.
- Teenage pregnancy, smoking, drinking and poor diet are also serious problems.
- 6% of primary and 16% secondary pupils go to school without having breakfast.
- Only 11% of secondary pupils had eaten 5+ portions of vegetables the day before surveyed.
- 39% of secondary pupils exercised three times a week or more in a way that increased their breathing rate.
Progress so far
- The LIFT initiative has been launched to improve health facilities and buildings.
- There has been significant investment in NHS Trust facilities with new and improved hospital sites around the Borough.
- The Healthy Living Centre encourages local people to take more active lifestyles.
- The Neighbourhood Road Safety Initiative has introduced several local projects to help reduce accidents and injuries.
Actions
- Target smoking cessation in 6 wards of the Borough.
- Flu vaccination campaign.
- Trips and fall prevention in over 75's.
- Brighter smiles for Dental Health under 1’s.
- Work towards fluoridation of water.
- Healthy weight campaign.
- Expert patient programme.
- Specialist community health teams.
- Further reduce child deaths and serious injuries from road accidents.
- Counselling.
Our targets
- Reduce gap in infant mortality.
- Reduce gap in life expectancy - female.
- Reduce gap in life expectancy - male.
- Reduce infant mortality (less than one year).
- Increase life expectancy - female.
- Increase life expectancy - male.
Visit the "Measuring performance" page for the full list of targets.
How you could contribute:
- If your journey is less than 1 mile – WALK.
- Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
- Support a friend to stop smoking.
