Where you live in York can determine health and wellbeing (From York Press)

Where you live in York can determine health and wellbeing

9:27am Friday 4th May 2012 in Health & Wellbeing By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

PEOPLE living in poorer areas of York have a lower life expectancy and poorer health than those in more well-off wards, according to a major report on the city’s wellbeing.

Men living in deprived areas of the city live, on average, ten years less than those in better-off areas, according to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).

The life expectancy gap between females was an average of 3.6 years.

Westfield, Clifton, Heworth, Guildhall and Hull Road were singled out as the most deprived areas of York in the 100-page report, which also said residents of the wards were also much more likely to die from lung cancer and circulatory conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Those living in the Westfield, Heworth and Clifton wards were also at the highest risk of suffering domestic violence, according to the JSNA.

While the city has enjoyed overall improvements in terms of life expectancy and falling death rates from cancer, the report singles out York’s ageing population as an area likely to have an impact on future NHS budgets in the city.

The task of assessing the findings of the third JSNA will fall on the city’s Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board - the organisation which will be responsible for forming the city’s health policies and strategy, from April next year.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing said the report would be one of the “key pieces of evidence” used to inform the board.

“The Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board will consider the findings in addition to other evidence to decide the priorities to take forward to improve public health across the city. This includes looking at early intervention and preventative measures alongside treatment.”

Jane Perger, vice chair of health watchdog York LINk, and a member of the shadow board, said: “We’ll be continuing to work with our partners over the coming year to help reduce the health inequalities highlighted.”

The report recommends the continued focus on prevention and early intervention as way of maintaining the rise in life expectancy and falling death rates enjoyed in the city.

Rachel Johns, associate director of Public Health, said: “Intervening early is a good idea for individuals and may also reduce costs. This can include supporting people to change their behaviour as well as designing services so that people avoid the need for hospital services.”