Health Action Zones (HAZs) have been trailblazing new ways of tackling health inequalities in some of the most deprived areas in England. Nottingham is one of the twenty-six HAZs in England and, as a second wave zone, became active in April 1999 and is now in its fifth year of activity.
The Nottingham Health Action Zone target 56 local authority wards that cover the most disadvantaged communities in Nottingham. This includes all wards in Nottingham City Primary Care Trust (PCT) as well as the most deprived wards across the other three PCTs, namely, Broxtowe and Hucknall, Gedling and Rushcliffe. It originally aimed to reduce health inequalities amongst families, parents, children and young people living in the most disadvantaged communities in the district.
The HAZ focuses on four main areas for action:
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Improving health and reducing health inequalities
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Improving access to services
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Ensuring that local people have a voice in decision-making about health
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Better integration of social and health care services that will meet the needs of the most vulnerable families and young people
Evaluation and 'mainstreaming' of learning and good practice across Nottingham HAZ remains the key objective for this 5th year of the initiative.
On the attached pages you will find evaluation reports which were completed by each project that was supported in 2002-2003 which reflect the work that they have done since their inception. They specifically highlight evidence of effectiveness and the learning that their project has generated in the hope that it will be utilised to enable long term change in mainstream policy and practice.
If you would like further information on the work of the HAZ programme please contact Dara Coppel. dara.coppel@nottinghamcity-pct.nhs.uk
