Current context
There are around 187,500 residents in Bury. It is estimated that this figure is to increase by over 8% to 203,200 by 2031, mostly due to an increase in the over 65s. Currently there are around 32,800 over 65s in the borough; by 2031 this figure will have increased by 37%.
The healthy life expectancy for adults in Bury around 61years, however women will live for an additional 21 years with ill health, compared to 16.5 years for men. This can vary further dependent on the different townships in Bury, with adults in Ramsbottom living considerably longer than those in Bury East and Radcliffe.
Evidence from Public Health England suggests Bury is has one of the worst rates of premature deaths in England with 397 per 100,000 between 2012 -2014. Respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and liver disease are the most predominant causes of premature death in the borough. Common causes to all these diseases are smoking and poor diet amongst others.
If the current patterns of ill health continues and services are not adapted to function in a new preventative way the rising health and social care costs will not be sustainable in the future. The ageing population and increased prevalence of chronic diseases requires a strong re-orientation away from the current emphasis on acute and episodic care towards prevention and self-care. A co-ordinated and integrated preventative approach is required to ensure a sustainable system which meets the health and social care needs of the population is achieved.
Our responsibility
A key part of The Care Act 2014 includes a clear focus on prevention and early intervention. It places a duty on Bury Council through integration with our partners to proactively prevent, reduce, and delay people reaching crisis point and needing to access health and social care services. There are three levels of prevention that should be promoted through all functions, interventions, and services promoted and commissioned by the Council:
- Prevent - (primary level) - interventions and resources aimed at people with no current health or social care needs
- Reduce - (secondary level) - interventions to identify those with increased risk of developing health and social care needs and address issues early slowing down the deterioration
- Delay - (tertiary level) - interventions to delay or minimise the impact of existing disabilities or health conditions.
The Care Act also states that the Council must promote the 'Wellbeing Principle'. This is a broad concept that relates to improving and promoting a range of areas around wellbeing. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical and Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Protection from abuse and neglect
- Suitability of living accommodation
- Personal dignity
- Social and economic wellbeing
- More examples can be found in the Care Act guidance
For more information and analysis on Early Intervention and prevention please visit Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.