Have your say on health plans (From Knutsford Guardian)

Have your say on health plans

4:20pm Tuesday 21st August 2012 in News By James Wilson

A PLAN that aims to improve people’s health is being drawn up by council bosses, as a result of the changes in the NHS being introduced next spring.

Changes to the country’s health system now mean Cheshire East Council has to set up the Cheshire East health and wellbeing board, and as a result, a new joint health and wellbeing strategy for 2013-14.

It is anticipated that by 2029 the number of people aged 65 or over will increase by more than 50 per cent to 108,000, and those aged 85 or over will more than double to 20,000.

With this in mind, the council believes it is very important that the strategy is agreed, so that the authority can seek to make improvements in Cheshire East.

Clr Janet Clowes, cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “The strategy aims to improve health and wellbeing for people in Cheshire East and to reduce inequalities in health. Once agreed, we hope it will make a positive difference to people’s lives. We all want to feel fit, healthy and well and, at some point in our lives, we may need to access a service that will make us feel that way, inside and out.

“We need to work in a way that supports people in Cheshire East throughout their lifetime to ensure they have the best start in life, to live well and to age well.

“The health and wellbeing board is asking for people’s support to help us to achieve these priorities.”

The council is inviting all views, but there are particular factors that can influence a person’s health and wellbeing.

These include where people live and the surrounding environment, their economic circumstances, involvement with the community, lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, eating habits and physical activity, how safe their local area is and access to transport, shops and services. These are particular areas people may wish to consider when they contribute their ideas.

The Government’s Health and Social Care Act 2012 states that each local authority needs to establish a health and wellbeing board, which will bring together commissioners from the NHS, public health and social care.

These commissioners will plan and buy local health care, social care and children’s services. To find out more, visit cheshireeast.gov.uk/consultations, send an email to cpu@cheshireeast.gov.uk or call 01625 383750.