Social Care
& Health
Social Care & Health is about improving people's health and encouraging them to have more healthy and active lifestyles, whilst acknowledging the wider determinants of health. Partner organisations are working together to make sure that health and social care services are available where and when they are needed.
North Wiltshire is essentially a healthy population. When compared to the rest of the country we are:
in top 10% for 'good or fair' health
in top quarter for life expectancy
a slightly younger population
likely to spend less time off work ill
and we have lower than expected incidence of all the major causes of death other than colorectal cancer and those from land transport accident.
Key Issues
Key issues identified during community consultation included
- Support for vulnerable people
- Access to health care services locally
- Difficulties using public transport to access health services further away
- Concerns over the numbers and availability of doctors and dentists
- Appropriate health provision in line with housing development
- Better access to services such as advice and counselling for young people
What we will do
North Wiltshire Partnership will work with others on
- Increasing opportunities for physical activity
- Promoting healthy lifestyles
- Responsible alcohol consumption
- Appropriate local delivery of services
- Independant living for older people
What is happening already
A wide range of groups and organisations are delivering work that contributes to improvements in this theme some examples include
- The Primary Care Trust (PCT) and local authorities are in regular contact monitoring population changes and potential health impact on health and care services
- Health Promotion is provided across Wiltshire by the PCT in partnership with Local Authorities
- A range of agencies are working together on a series of projects to provide modern accessible housing for vulnerable people across the district
- Age Concern Wiltshire has gained funding from the National Lottery to run a befriending service for vulnerable older people living in their own homes.
- Health and care professionals work together in intermediate care teams to provide intensive periods of support in or near people's homes so a hospital admission or long term care option is not necessary
- Integrated teams of health and care teams are located in a variety of venues including GP surgeries and Health Centres
- Integrated teams of health and care professionals are working across North Wiltshire providing services for older people, people with mental health problems and people with learning disabilities.
- Local Authorities are working with the PCT to provide premises for doctors and dentists facilities within North Wiltshire sometimes using 'planning gain'
- Projects in Wiltshire are promoting alternatoves to car use to improve individuals health and reduce pollution.
- North Wiltshire District Council is now the licencing authority and is working with other agencies including the Police to explore sensible drinking.
- North Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership is dealing with issues including the fear of crime, anti-social behaviour and road safety.
- The NHS and local authorities combine in order to train up leaders for walks offering opportunities for exercise.