Published: Thursday 30th January 2020 | 4.58pm
Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet have agreed to adopt a new approach –‘Health in All Policies (HiAP)’ to help the Council identify how best to tackle health inequalities within Cannock Chase District.
Gordon Alcott, Deputy Leader of the Council said: “Health in All Policies recognises that the biggest influences on the population’s health are ‘root causes’ or social determinants of health, rather than health services. These social determinants include living conditions and wider social, economic, environmental, cultural and political factors. By considering health in all we do as a Council we believe, with our partners, we can make a real difference to peoples’ lives.”
Councillor Christine Martin, Leader of Health and Wellbeing, said: “Health outcomes within Cannock Chase District, including life expectancy, levels of obesity, alcohol related hospital admissions and long term illnesses, are amongst the poorest in the Midlands. The Council is determined to play a full part in tackling these very difficult challenges. By adopting “Health in All Policies” the Council will ensure it takes into account the health implications of the decisions it makes, targets the key social determinants of health, and most importantly focuses policy and services on improving the health of our local residents”.