You said: People value health. Increasing numbers of residents say that the quality of local health services is important in making their area a good place to live.

Healthier - Improving our health and wellbeing

  • focus groups said local and accessible health services that involve patients in the planning and provision of services to help everyone feel independent are important. You are also concerned about raising awareness of mental health issues and increasing local provision and support in this area
  • people feel that good health is an essential prerequisite for an enjoyable life. Feedback stressed the importance of obesity and mental and sexual health as issues of concern. In addition, in several parts of the county people are worried about high numbers of road accidents
  • there is a clear message that we all need to take responsibility for our own health, but that sometimes we need help to do this. The importance of sport, physical activity and outdoor recreation was seen to be very important. You agree with the view that targeting effective preventative measures for improving health is critical to tackling the major causes of death such as cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke.

We know:

That the county has a higher infant mortality rate than the average for the region and Great Britain as a whole.

We also know that the mortality rate for those aged under 75 is higher than in the region and country.

Nottinghamshire has above national averages of people aged 50 and over across all districts.

'There is a clear link between physical inactivity and ill health.'

Within the county, there are more babies born with a low birth weight in Bassetlaw, Ashfield and Rushcliffe, than the average for England.

The teenage conception rate is substantially higher in Ashfield and Mansfield than the average for England.

There is a clear link between physical inactivity and ill health. We need to continue to address issues such as obesity and poor health through a mix of initiatives focusing on better diet and healthy food, engaging people and children in activities and sports both in schools and elsewhere and encouraging higher levels of walking, cycling and outdoor recreation.

Newark and Sherwood and Bassetlaw districts have the highest rates of road accidents in the county and Rushcliffe has rates which are higher than the average for England.

Some issues mentioned under other themes are also very important for health; these include avoidable injuries and accidents, which connect to health inequalities and the health impact of domestic violence on victims and their families.

Better information provision, including sex education, signposting to resources and health promotion are also important in tackling health issues.

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