Health and Wellbeing
Health links closely with other key areas within our manifesto. If action is taken to improve the environment (the air we breathe, the food we eat), transport (ease and safety of cycling/walking), and employment (meaningful local work at reasonable hours) we will all be healthier and happier.
The Green Party is committed to the mission of the NHS to provide universal, publicly provided healthcare free at the point of delivery. However, we also recognise that health services require strong local planning and close integration with local social care services.
- Promote close working between our county and district councils and the local health authorities to ensure that community-based GP and other local health services remain publicly-run and accessible to all.
- Seek to strengthen the county and district councils’ oversight and scrutiny of plans for any significant changes in local health services and holding local health service providers to account.
- Improve access to a full range of quality physical and mental healthcare for all groups, particularly those disadvantaged by other difficulties. Specifically:
* Physical health services must be better co-ordinated and with improved access for people with mental health problems, learning disabilities and those who are homeless.
* Local authority housing services and other local authority provision should ensure that those with disabilities or long-term health difficulties have priority access to help. - Push for more investment and action in health education, including the promotion of healthier lifestyles and positive prevention programmes.
- Ensure a more co-ordinated and strategic approach between public organisations, for example, regarding planning policies and fast food retailing, traffic-free or 20mph residential zones, provision of walk-ways and cycle routes, and support for exercise for groups of all ages.
- Recognise and support the health and wellbeing of our armed forces personnel, veterans and immediate families.
