Serious promise to improve health in borough

Rochdale Borough Council and Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust have outlined major plans for closer collaboration between the two organisations aimed at improving the health of people across the borough.

Executive Director of Rochdale Borough Council Andy Zuntz said that work is well underway to reduce the health inequalities: "Only last month we signed the Statement of Strategic Intent - a pledge with the Primary Care Trust, reaffirming our commitment to working together to improve the health of the population, and this is a serious promise that we are backing up with solid hard work. We both have a vital role and a clear integrated approach."

A range of collaborative projects are already being carried out, with many more in the pipeline said Mr Zuntz: "These include our first joint Health Strategy, which will set out our contribution to improving health and well-being, and tackling health inequalities in the Borough."

"Another joint project already in operation is In2Work, which helps residents who are currently claiming sickness related benefits into paid employment. It has already improved the employment prospects and wellbeing of many people."

Next, a Joint Health Unit will be established to enhance health policy and strategy between the two organisations. The unit will share research and information, providing support and expertise.

The council and Primary Care Trust are collaborating on a range of other strategies, ranging from healthy lifestyles and teenage pregnancy, to mental health, alcohol, children's services and older people.

"Work is well underway to improve and enhance health and community services and to bring as much care as possible close to people's homes. These include the development of new health and well-being services and centres for all through the Local Improvement Finance Trust schemes, like the Heywood Joint Service Centre, which has just being granted planning permission," added Mr Zuntz.

So far, in partnership with the Primary Care Trust, the council has instigated the 'Smoke Free Borough' initiative, promoted the adoption of 'healthy lifestyle choices' to address the priority issues of smoking, physical activity, obesity and healthy eating. Work will continue aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies and implementing the national sexual health strategy. They are also addressing other priority health areas including oral health.

Trevor Purt, Chief Executive of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust said it is an exciting time for the Borough: "With the renewed Local Strategic Partnership we can strengthen and take forward our work with the council, voluntary sector and other key agencies. Improving health is a key strategic goal for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale NHS."

With older people having the highest rates of health problems, the Council and the Primary Care Trust are developing integrated services to provide early identification of emerging health needs, better co-ordinated primary/social care networks, and integrated complex care teams. The current 'Partnerships for Older People Projects' (POPPs) programme is expected to provide a significant spearhead for improved health for older people in the borough.

The PCT and local authority have developed joint processes to ensure a range of services are delivered in local communities to help children achieve a healthy start to life. Inter-agency working, through Rochdale Borough Children's Trust ensures services for children and young people are co-ordinated and delivered around the needs of the child and their family.

Rochdale Council is also rolling out a series of housing and supporting people policies that will improve the condition of properties and hopefully the health of the occupants, improving neighbourhoods and the quality of life for residents. These include providing a range of housing and support services to older people and disabled citizens.

LiveLife, the interactive health conference and exhibition held last month to promote healthy living whilst offering help and advice on living a healthier lifestyle will become an annual event, moving to the new Middleton Arena in 2009. In support of this, an all year round network of local organisations working to promote health and well-being and reduce health inequalities will be developed.

Andy Zuntz added that there is a great deal going on to improve the health of the population: "Rochdale Borough Council and the Primary Care Trust have a vital role to play and I am confident that our joint working will continue to deliver impressive and sustained improvements."