Health Improvement Programme for
Doncaster 2000 - 2003

Strategic Direction

The strategic direction, which is being adopted locally, is described in National Priorities Guidance 1999/00-2001/02:

To ensure the provision of services which help adults achieve and sustain the maximum independence in their lives, including, for those of working age, their capacity to take up, remain in or return to, employment.

Target

Local targets will be set from the following objectives:

• To increase activities that promote health and prevent or reduce disability.
• To demonstrate that the HAZ is associated with an improvement in the health and well-being of people with physical and sensory disability
• To develop and increase the effectiveness of joint disability services.

General Commentary

The 1991 census data identified that over 15% of households in Doncaster contain someone with a 'limiting long term illness' but this varies between less than 10% to more than 20% across the borough. Within the 50-65 year old age group, 25% have limiting long term illness compared with 20% nationally and hence this area has been identified as a priority for the South Yorkshire Coalfield Health Action Zone (HAZ). A range of work has been ongoing with the implementation of the local multi-agency strategy for Services for Adults with Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment, and this will continue. All the initiatives contained within that strategy will be considered alongside those being developed within the HAZ. A range of local projects have recently been established including: the DiAL on-line project, installation of communication systems in GP practices, an independent advocacy service and a review of day services. Other current initiatives include an orthopaedic review of replacement hips and knees, additional personal assistant services, the Direct Payments pilot and training around the Disability Discrimination Act (1995).

Future developments will be around enhancement of the rehabilitation and outreach services in addition to reviews of a range of specific services, keyworker concepts, interpreting services, transition to adulthood, outcome based monitoring and access to employment. All current and future work will enable people with physical disability and sensory impairment in later life to live more independent lives, have better access to services, community activities and employment and have more influence over the planning and implementation of services.

Further information can be obtained by downloading the full text version of the Health Improvement Programme for Doncaster 2000 - 2003.

Any comments on this section should be submitted to the theme lead, Mr Mike Cartlidge, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, The Council House, College Road, Doncaster. DNI 2AD Email: mike.cartlidge@doncaster.gov.uk