Trust claims big progress on health pledge

A year on from when Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust launched its official health pledge, the Trust believes that health in Rochdale has made some significant improvements.

In the ‘Heart of Local Health’ document, the PCT committed to improving a number of health inequalities over the next three, five and 10 years. One of the biggest improvements has been with the number of smoking quitters.

By working jointly with Rochdale Council, the PCT has helped 2186 people to quit smoking (for more than four weeks). There has also been a 1.5 per cent decrease in the number of smoking related deaths. Through its weight management referral schemes, the PCT has supported 1900 patients to lose weight, helping to tackle Rochdale's growing obesity problem. The number of deaths from Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) has also reduced by 35%.

Working towards its five year targets, the PCT’s Health Trainer programme has been hugely successful since its launch, seeing more than 670 people, with 288 of those currently receiving support. Life expectancy of males and females in the town has also increased, with men now averaging 74.98 years, up 6 months and women 79.20 years, up 4.8 months.

Commenting on the past year’s progress, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT chairman, John Pierce, said: “Our health pledges are incredibly challenging and the progress made during this first year is an excellent start to achieving our ultimate goals. The PCT will remain focussed over the next year to ensure we stay on track to achieve our targets by continuing to develop and improve local health services.”