Issue - meetings

Peter Wright gave a presentation on the Health Profile of East Herts.  In many cases East Herts residents enjoyed better health than the national or Hertfordshire average.  However, there were areas of concern and inequalities between more and less affluent areas in the District.  These could be focussed upon for improvement e.g. smoking, alcohol abuse and obesity.

Work on preventing and treating hip fractures in the over 65s was planned.  In addition, a cold winter was already predicted and work was needed by all agencies concerned to prevent illness and death amongst the elderly because of this.

In response to a comment on the high numbers of teenagers smoking, particularly girls from Andy Forbes, Peter agreed to send him contact details of a team who had recently finished work on a project on this in West Herts.

Sally Newton commented on the need to work on alcohol abuse.  She said there needed to be more “ signposting” at Accident and Emergency Departments e.g. elderly people with wrist fractures should be referred for calcium/vitamin supplements.

Murray Foster said potential problems could be identified by housing maintenance staff and Riversmead Housing Association was encouraging this.

Angela Alder said that information about preventing problems for the elderly in cold weather was given at Day Centres.

Andy Forbes thought health issues could be addressed for students through tutorials but information on the correct contacts was needed.

Peter agreed to make his presentation and relevant information available electronically.

The Chairman thanked him for his presentation.