Public Health Department

Detailed research carried out by our public health department tells us a lot about the health of people who live in Walsall.

We know:

*14 per cent more local people die from cancer than the national average

*16 per cent more local people die from heart disease than the national average

*one in three of all local children live in poverty  

Inequality

Everyone who lives in Walsall has an equal right to expect good health and a long life.  But, our research shows that there is still significant health inequality linked to where people live.  For example, at birth, a person from a relatively well off neighbourhood in eastern Walsall can expect to live an average of eight years longer than a person from a more deprived neighbourhood in the west of the borough.

Challenge

Our challenge is to use what we know about the local health scene to shape services that tackle inequality and help people live longer, healthier and happier. The starting point is encouraging and supporting local people to make the right choices about important issues including regular exercise, smoking, drinking and what you eat.