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

Background

Across England cardiovascular disease (CVD) – is the main cause of mortality accounting for over 40% of all deaths. CVD mortality in the borough of Wigan is significantly above both the national and regional average. Males in the borough have a 46% increased risk (compared to the national average) of dying prematurely from CVD whilst for females this is even worse with a 65% increased risk. A significant proportion of CVD, (80%) is avoidable, in a large part through creating an environment in which healthy lifestyle practices become the ‘norm’. This cannot be tackled by the health service in isolation or by focusing efforts on treatment services. Improvements to health at a population level require an integrated, collaborative approach focusing on both individual and population level interventions.

Regeneration, planning, licensing, income, housing, education and employment are all major factors in the ill health that people experience and these are affected by regulation at a European, national and local level.

Approach

To support organisations in prioritising their efforts in this area, HM Partnerships have been commissioned to conduct a study that builds on the 2009 report for Liverpool First for Health and Wellbeing Partnership, to examine the potential health impact of local public policy on cardiovascular diseases. Alongside identifying and examining related and relevant policies, the study considers the potential for policy change including local sensitivities around policies promoting public health outcomes and combines the findings with a detailed community consultation.

Policy fields considered in the study were:

• Policy to reduce alcohol consumption
• Policy to promote healthier food consumption (and/or discourage less healthy consumption)
• Policy to promote physical activity
• Policy to reduce tobacco consumption

Findings

All conclusions from the study were reported back to NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan for further detailed exploration and examination.