Community Health
Please follow this link to make an online enquiry, complaint or report, relating to this service - Community Health in Kennet
Background
Since the publication of the White Paper, Saving Lives – Our Healthier Nation’ the importance of the local authority contribution to improving health has been increasingly recognised. This is because society now acknowledges that there are wider determinants of health such as social, environmental and economic considerations, traditionally recognised as being the domain of local authorities.
This has been consolidated over recent years with further legislation, the arrival of Primary Care Trusts and creation of Local Strategic Partnerships through the Community Planning process, all of which aim to centre health care, protection and well being at the heart of communities in partnership with local agencies.
Kennet District Council’s role in Community Health
Kennet District Council recognises the importance of this role and the impact it has on health in the home, workplace and community. We have developed a Health Strategy (pdf, 234 KB) to reflect this commitment by recognising the importance of community leadership in developing the health agenda, particularly with respect to the authority’s scrutiny role and by identifying that our own key services, and how we provide them, is critical to health protection, improvement, promotion and well being.
The strategy proposes the use of thematic working to turn strategic objectives into practical and measurable outcomes recognising that it is the joint contributions of Members and services together that make up the authority’s corporate strategy for health. These themes are:
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Health through clinical and social care
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Health through the environment
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Healthy lifestyles through physical activity, leisure and the arts
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Health through access to appropriate housing and housing related support services
Vision
To adopt and actively pursue Wiltshire County Council’s stated aim to contribute to making Wiltshire County the healthiest in which to live by 2012. This Strategy supports Kennet District Council’s Strategic Objective of ‘Developing Strong, Safe and Healthy Communities’ as outlined in the Council's 2004-2008 Corporate Strategy (pdf, 318 KB).
Mission
To advocate for equal access to health and social care services, and the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles, thereby improving the quality of life of the community.
View Kennet District Council's Health Strategy (pdf, 234 KB)
For further information please contact Environmental Health on (01380) 724911 or e-mail kennet@kennet.gov.uk