Health and Wellbeing in Bedford Borough Muriel Scott Director of Public Health Bedford Borough

Health in Bedford Borough is similar to the England average and life expectancy is improving overall BUT Not as rapidly in deprived areas Healthy life expectancy is not increasing at the same rate as life expectancy The proportion of deaths in those <75 years is higher than the England average The life expectancy gap between the most deprived 20% and the other 80% is widening and is in the worst 20% nationally

Life expectancy is 11.3 years lower for men and 9.1 years lower for women in the most deprived areas.

The major causes of death and illness Premature death (before age 75)Illness Cardiovascular diseasesHypertension CancerObesity AccidentsDepression SuicideAsthma Liver diseaseDiabetes Four key underlying behaviours Smoking – Unhealthy eating – Excess alcohol – Physical inactivity 14 year reduction in life expectancy with 4 vs. 0 behaviours

Other challenges…. Demographics: –Those over 65 increasing by 26% –Largest proportional increase in those aged over 85. –Increasing years of ill health at the end of life. Economic downturn –Increased demand for services (e.g.mental health services) and potentially negative impact on health (e.g. obesity)

Key messages from the JSNA Increase focus on reducing health inequalities by improving the social determinants of health Reduce inequalities in life expectancy Improve educational attainment and all-age skills Invest in early intervention and prevention (at all ages) Give every child the best start in life

Bedford Borough Health and Wellbeing Strategy aims to: Ensure the best possible start in life for vulnerable children and young people Tackle key unhealthy behaviours Reduce key drivers of inequalities in life expectancy Improve care for vulnerable adults Address the wider determinants of health

Bedford Borough Health and Wellbeing Strategy priorities Teenage pregnancy Looked After Children Mental Wellbeing (Children & Adults) Tobacco Control (children & adults) Alcohol Healthy Weight (children & adults) Safeguarding (children & adults) Independence End of life care

Wider determinants of health Key indicators: Children achieving a good level of development at age 5 Educational achievement Young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) Availability of high quality housing and reducing overcrowding People living in fuel poverty