Section 2 - a better future

Be healthy

Lead Officer - Ian Tearle

Reference Group - Healthy Child Reference Group

Key Links - parenting, children with special needs

What’s the story?

There is good practice in Devon which improves the health outcomes of children and young people and extends their life expectancy. It works through life phases.

Pre-birth
Antenatal
Infancy and early years
Childhood
Adolescence to adulthood

This is an investment for the future health of the population. Interventions to improve health and wellbeing in childhood have a positive effect through into old age.

Inequalities continue. At its most fundamental level this is represented by higher infant mortality among lower socio-economic groups. Maintaining a focus on
addressing key risks is essential to promoting positive health.

Inequities in resources were identified in the Annual Performance Assessment 2007 and are being addressed. This has been aided by the establishment of a single Devon Primary Care Trust which is working in partnership with Devon County Council and other organisations. We are developing a single strategic
approach to support children, young people and their families to develop good
health, and we are providing quality treatment and care when they have specific health needs.