What needs to be done and why?
Strategic Issue 1
What needs to be done
Interventions to target modifiable risk factors (obesity, physical inactivity and poor mental health) for the prevention of future MSK conditions. They are modifiable through PH interventions such as community exercise programmes, healthy eating campaigns, smoking cessation support and mental health & wellbeing services.
Why
Modifiable risk factors are preventable and treatable. This is key to Hartlepool as 37.9% of the population are classed as obese, 77.22% are overweight and 13.47% are current smokers (2023). Early prevention reduces long-term costs, by delaying or avoiding surgeries, long-term medication and social care need. This also reduces economic inactivity, helping people stay in work and maintain independence, this is key to Hartlepool with over 50% os LSOAs in the top 20% most deprived areas in England. By targeting modifiable risk factors this will help narrow health inequalities and support healthy ageing by maintaining mobility and independence, reducing falls and fractures and improving quality of life. This is key to Hartlepool as the population is ageing and the rate of Hip Fractures is higher than the regional and national.
Consultation and engagement highlights a need for education on low-budget healthy food choices both in school settings and for the adult population. Residents highlighted there are lots of takeaways which are easier and cheaper to access than healthy choices. Residents also stated a need for improved leisure facilities and group exercise classes.
Strategic Issue 2
What needs to be done
Interventions and prevention specifically targeted at the older population to prevent cases of MSK conditions, particularly hip fractures. Providing community rehabilitation and reablement through housing adaptation, assistive technology and integrated health and social care will aid in preventing MSK conditions in those over 65.
Why
Hartlepool’s population is ageing, the rate of hip fractures in over 65s was 573.96 per 100,000 in 2023/24, higher than the regional and national rate. MSK is the leading cause of disability, falls and loss of independence. Consultation and engagement highlight the need for housing with adaptive disability needs for the ageing population which would aid the prevention of falls and hip fractures.
Strategic Issue 3
What needs to be done
Address the barriers to accessing both health and social care for early prevention, falls prevention and independence. By providing services in at-risk areas using data driven strategy. By performing outreach in these areas barriers such as financial restraints, understanding available services and how to access them (health literacy) and the digital divide. Data can be used to determine where outreach should be initiated.
Why
Barriers in access to health and social care should be addressed due to the high level of deprivation in Hartlepool which is linked to higher rates of MSK conditions, poorer health outcomes and reduced access to care. MSK conditions are progressive, early detection and management is essential therefore removing barriers ensures timely support. MSK conditions are a leading cause of economic inactivity in Hartlepool, removing barriers will help people stay in work, reduce benefit dependency and lower social care costs. MSK pain is often linked with mental health issues, accessible care can address both physical and mental health, in Hartlepool in the population aged 16+ 21.1% report at least one other long-term condition alongside a MSK condition (2024). By proactively addressing health literacy, distrust in services, transport and financial barriers in deprived areas this builds community trust, increases service uptake and improves health outcomes.