Healthy Communities

In 2017 the NHS planning guidance urged local health planners (STPs) to address highest cost preventable causes of ill health, reduce healthcare demand and tackle health inequalities working closely with local government.

Childhood obesity rates start at around 10% in primary schools reaching as high as 20% in year 6. Wessex has persistent areas of deprivation focussed around the coastal cities leading to significant health problems.

Theme lead: Dr Julie Parkes (Head of the School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education and Professor of Public Health within Medicine at the University of Southampton)