Invitation to air views on health matters (From Keighley News)
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Invitation to air views on health matters
8:00am Sunday 9th September 2012 in Keighley
South Craven residents are being invited to have their say on addressing health issues in North Yorkshire.
The new North Yorkshire Health and Wellbeing Board said people in the county were generally healthier than their counterparts in many other parts of England.
Now members are outlining the priorities and policies they feel are necessary for good health to be shared by everyone in the region, and they are giving the public and partner organisations the chance to have an input.
The board has drawn up a draft strategy outlining five priority areas, including the development of a health and social care provision network – by both public bodies and the independent sector – which is responsive to people’s needs.
Board chairman Councillor John Weighell said: “We can be thankful that generally speaking we enjoy better health than average, and the feeling that North Yorkshire is a good place to live contributes to our sense of wellbeing.
“However, there are some people whose opportunities and lifestyles mean they do not live the healthy lives they might rightfully expect. We must do something about that.
“As well as seeking to improve everyone’s health and wellbeing, we must address the inequalities that mean people are likely to live shorter, less healthy lives than others.”
Figures show that men who live in the county’s most deprived communities on average die 6.3 years earlier than those in the least deprived areas. For women, the difference is 4.6 years.
“The challenge is to make a positive impact on those factors that can be influenced,” added Coun Weighell. “It’s not about taking action on everything at once, but about setting priorities.”
The draft strategy can be viewed and downloaded at nypartnerships. org.uk/jhws.
The public can contribute ideas at the Pavilions, Harrogate, on Wednesday, September 19, 2pm. To book a place, e-mail jsna@north yorks.gov.uk, or call 01609 532525.
