Healthy ambition for county

A TWENTY-year scheme which aims to make Suffolk the healthiest county in Britain was due to be launched today.

The Healthy Ambitions campaign vows to cut cancer and heart disease deaths as well as putting an end to the inequalities that can mean a difference of as much as 12 years life expectancy in different parts of the county.

The initiative -thought to be the first of its kind in the country - is the brainchild of Suffolk councils, the NHS, business and voluntary sectors, which together form the Suffolk Strategic Partnership.

Dr Peter Bradley, director of public health for the Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Suffolk County Council, said Suffolk was already fairly healthy when compared to other areas across the country but added there are certain areas in Ipswich and Lowestoft which suffered deprivation and health is adversely affected.

He added: “Our aim is to make Suffolk the healthiest county in Britain by 2028 and this project, if it gets the right support, has the potential to help us reach that goal.”

The campaign will be kick-started at an event being held today at Trinity Park, Ipswich.

At the core of the campaign will be an emphasis on measures such as promoting walking and cycling and introducing health initiatives in workplaces, homes and schools.

Other key themes include better access to more flexible healthcare and other public services and better education and information.

Success will be measured by a range of indicators, such as looking at death rates for the biggest killers, smoking, chronic disease rates and mental health.

The campaign is being supported by a group of people who are coming together to form a Champions Advisory Board under the chairmanship of James Hehir, Ipswich Borough Council chief executive.

For more information about the campaign visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk and click on the 'get involved' link.

A dedicated website - www.healthyambitionssuffolk.nhs.uk - will be up and running from January 1.