Local services must work together to tackle the stark differences in health experienced by people living in Cardiff and the Vale.
This is the message delivered by the Interim Report of the Director of Public Health, which was presented to the UHB Board on 2nd November. In the report, Dr Sharon Hopkins describes the health status of the population and the key issues it faces. She also proposes the strategic approach to be adopted in addressing these issues.
Dr Hopkins said ‘There are stark inequalities in the health of our population which disproportionately affect our most deprived communities. There are also significant differences in the experiences of the wider determinants of health such as income, unemployment, crime and education as well as lifestyle choices.’
‘Health services cannot solve these problems on their own and so we must work with our partners in local government and the independent sector to improve health for all. Inequalities must be recognised and targeted. Long term commitment from all will be needed if we are going to make a difference’
‘Evidence shows that adopting a settings approach is the best way to improve the health of populations. In Cardiff and the Vale we have adopted this approach in four settings. They are Healthy City in Cardiff , Healthy Vale Communities, Healthy Schools and in the UHB itself by becoming a Practicing Public Health Organisation. The focus for our work will be Food and Fitness, Tobacco and Alcohol.’
The UHB Board considered the report and has agreed that it will inform all of its service delivery and planning.