News Release : 20 June 2001

HEALTHY REGION FORUM TO DISCUSS HEALTH POLICY AND SERVICE ISSUES IN THE SOUTH EAST

Health services and policy in the South East are on the agenda at a unique pan-regional debate which is taking place in London later this week.

Thirty stakeholders from across the region will meet at the second Healthy Region Forum, which is aimed at promoting an open dialogue on approaches to health improvement in the South East.

This unique regional forum was set up last year as a partnership initiative between the South East England Regional Assembly and the NHS Regional Office. It comprises representatives from the National Health Service, the Health Development Agency, local authorities and other economic and social organisation across the South East region.

Paul Bevan, Chief Executive, Regional Assembly: said: "The aim of the Healthy Region Forum is to improve health in the South East. In order to do this, the Forum will be carefully considering the implications of regional policies and measures on the health of the region and make recommendations to Government accordingly."

At the meeting, there will be presentations covering:
1. Feedback and outcomes of the consultation on "Putting Patients First- A Framework for Implementing the NHS Plan in the South East Region";
2. Health Policy Issues- 'Joining up' the efforts of government agencies and others in a concerned effort to improve public health;
3. Health Impact Assessment.

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
   
   
2. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
   
   
3. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
   
   
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
   
   
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007

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