The contribution of local policies to cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases in Liverpool

Background

HM Partnerships were commissioned to identify the potential health impact of public policy on non-communicable diseases and consider the potential for policy amendments at a local authority level relating to alcohol, nutrition and physical activity.

Approach

Initially HM Partnerships conducted a review of published reports and further publications to identify evidence-based policy interventions. National experts were then selected for engagement and to source specific policy interventions and identify legal issues that may make it possible or impossible for certain policies to be changed at a local level. Further engagement of partners and other stakeholders was then undertaken, this included discussions of findings to date and gauging of local opinions relating to the policies identified for potential change.

A full report outlining the key findings and main discussions around potential policy change was made available to Liverpool First for Health and Wellbeing Partnership, with key recommendations outlining the policy areas that have the greatest potential for local implementation.

Conclusions

There is strong evidence of the impact of public policy on health and a number of examples where the policy has been amended or introduced to create a healthier environment. Policy makers are increasingly aware of the health impact of public policy and are now accepting its importance for the prevention of ill health.

It is not appropriate to simply lift interventions from the effectiveness literature and apply them directly to local practice. A policy intervention that may be effective in one population may not necessarily transfer to another and this is reflected within the full project report.