Event focuses on improving health in Shropshire
Shaping plans to improve the health of people across Shropshire was the focus of an event in the county this week.
People who work in health and social care were brought together in Shrewsbury yesterday (Thursday 31 January 2013) to look at developing the actions outlined in the Shropshire Joint Health and Well-being Strategy.
The strategy puts forward priorities for enhancing the health and well-being of people in the county, looking at how resources can be targeted where they will have greatest impact.
It has been developed by Shropshire Shadow Health and Well-being Board, a partnership between Shropshire Council and the Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Wide-ranging consultation took place on the draft plan before it was finalised in 2012.
The strategy is being delivered by a range of organisations, with yesterday’s Health and Well-being: Strategy to Implementation Event organised by the Shropshire Partnership, which includes Shropshire Council, police, fire and health services, voluntary and community groups and local businesses.
Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:
“This document is Shropshire’s first Health and Well-being Strategy and sets out our commitment to improving the health and well-being of all people in Shropshire, both now and in the future.
“People from across the county joined together yesterday to share thoughts and ideas on the best ways to further shape the actions and implementation plans. I was heartened by the widespread support for this event, with a waiting list for attendance. This input is invaluable in making sure all the work that has gone into the strategy really makes a difference.”
Dr Caron Morton, accountable officer for Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“I would like to thank all of our partners, patient representatives and the voluntary sector for contributing to yesterday’s valuable discussions. As a CCG we are committed to ensuring high-quality patient care locally, to do this we need to understand local people’s views when we are buying health services.
“As with many businesses we have a limited budget, so must prioritise which services are essential and will benefit the most people. By listening to the different conversations yesterday, and in our day-to-day work with patient groups, we can help ensure that our priorities are aligned to local needs.”
Keith Barrow, Shropshire Council’s Leader, and chair of the Shropshire Shadow Health and Well-being Board, added:
“We want to make this strategy for the long-term vision for health and well-being in the county a reality, and it was great to see everyone getting involved and making good progress at yesterday’s event.
“We cannot deliver the strategy alone and need to work together, as individuals, in our families and as part of our communities to look after own health and well-being and support those around us. This strategy belongs to all of us, with contributions being made by many people and partners, and we all continue to have our part to play.”
The Health and Well-being Strategy is based on evidence produced from a comprehensive assessment of Shropshire’s population, called the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.
The Health and Well-being: Strategy to Implementation Event was held at Greenhous Meadow, Shrewsbury Town FC’s ground.
To find out more contact the Shropshire Partnership on 01743 252269 or click here.
Further information
The vision outlined in the strategy is: “Everyone living in Shropshire is able to flourish by leading healthy lives, reaching their full potential and making a positive contribution to their communities.”
The priorities are grouped under the following outcomes:
- People are empowered to make better lifestyle and health choices for their own, and their family’s health and well-being
- Better emotional and mental health and well-being for all
- Older people and those with long term conditions remain independent for longer
- Health inequalities are reduced
- Health, social care and well-being services are accessible, good quality and ‘seamless’.
The priorities include:
- Supporting more people to have a healthy weight
- Improving the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people
- Making Shropshire a ‘dementia friendly county’ to support earlier diagnosis and an improved outlook for people with dementia.
As part of the Government’s reforms of the NHS, health and well-being boards are being established within council areas. Shropshire Shadow Health and Well-being Board’s role is to oversee how local NHS and social care budgets are spent.
Another part of the health reforms is the establishment of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to commission (buy) local NHS services. The CCGs currently hold delegated responsibility for the commissioning of all services which will formally transfer to them on 1 April 2013. The role of the CCG therefore includes the designing and buying of the vast majority of local health services, including hospital services, community services, such as district nursing and health visiting, and mental health services.
The responsibility for public health in Shropshire will also move from Shropshire County Primary Care Trust and other NHS trusts to Shropshire Council from April 2013.
For more information on the changes to public health go to shropshire.gov.uk/publichealth
For further information on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment go to shropshire.gov.uk/jsna.nsf
For further details on Shropshire CCG visit www.shropshire.nhs.uk/ccg
