Health
Good health is central to the well-being of people and
communities. Poor health in deprived areas is often a barrier
to accessing employment and hinders the economic potential of the
region’s disadvantaged communities.
The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) sets out a clear commitment
to integrating positive health action into every aspect of its work
across all sectors and all levels of the region. The NWDA is
working in partnership to reduce health inequalities in
the Northwest, within a framework of sustainable development which
supports economic, social and environmental regeneration.
To progress this joint agenda, the Agency will work with
other stakeholders to establish appropriate partnership arrangement
for delivering the actions outlined in the RES and the Investment
for Health Plan. We are also engaged in numerous health
development projects including:
- Being a pilot site for the Kings Fund research programme
‘Strategic Action Programme for Healthy Communities’
- Being a key partner in developing an integrated impact
assessment tool for the region
- Actively supporting and developing a healthy workplace strategy
with partners across the region
- Co-operating with environmental business support organisation
ENWORKS and other partners on Workplace Health Connect, an advice
service to regional businesses on health at work issues.
In addition, the Agency is working with the NHS to develop
strategies for maximising the 'NHS Trusts as Good Corporate
Citizens' project.
The NHS is one of Europe’s largest employers, providing
employment opportunities for a wide range of professional and
skilled groups, as well as training opportunities for the
unskilled. In the Northwest alone, the NHS employs 192,000
full-time equivalent people and spends £2 billion on goods and
services. If NHS Trusts can source more services and supplies
locally, then communities around them will benefit and the damaging
environmental impact of unnecessary transport reduced. The
Agency has been proactive in raising the issue of good corporate
citizenship within the boardrooms of NHS Trusts throughout the
region.