“Individuals are ultimately in control of their own lifestyle choices and healthcare decisions. The health system focuses on understanding each individual’s story, values and influencers to engage citizens in their care and to support long-term behaviour change” NUKA Alaska
But it is beyond individuals. Placing communities at the heart of public health can reduce health inequalities, engage those most at risk of poor health and empower people to have a great say in their lives and health. Doing this, builds resilience and cohesion.
Well Beyond Health
Treating ill health is not enough on its own, a combination of approaches are needed to delay, and ultimately reduce, demands on healthcare.
Reducing inequalities in our communities would ease the burden on health care. For example, emergency admissions for people in Grampian living in the most disadvantage are almost double the rate of those living in our most affluent areas.
