Published in November 2019, the NHS Highland Director of Public Health annual report focuses on trends in populations, health and social inequity that have important implications for the delivery of health and social care services.
The report highlights a number of significant challenges, mostly arising from people living longer. Services will need to continue to adapt to the needs of older people, many of whom will have multiple conditions. The report also highlights that a focus on wellbeing and good social functioning can add life to years.
In order to rise to the challenges outlined in this year’s report NHS Highland and its partner agencies (particularly Local Authorities) must improve the sustainability of services and communities across NHS Highland by working to:
- Reduce depopulation to Highland and encourage settlement in areas further from Inverness
- Minimise the health inequity caused by poverty
- Reduce risk factors and increase community resilience to improve the health of people as they age
- Ensure that health and social care systems are responsive to the needs of people with multiple conditions, frailty and often cognitive impairment
- Make it as easy as possible for communities to offer support to their members, and for families to provide ‘informal’ care.
The DPH Annual Report 2019 can be accessed on the NHS Highland public health website. An online survey has also been created for any feedback with regards to the report.