Data and intelligence are essential for the work of the Havering Public Health Team to help identify the needs of different communities, highlight health inequalities, and target resources where they will have the greatest impact.
Data and intelligence enable evidence-based decision making, supports effective service planning, and allows teams to monitor outcomes and demonstrate the value of public health interventions.
Local services
Collection and analysis of information about our local population, health and wellbeing is used to understand the biggest health challenges in Havering and presented in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) to help us and our partners plan services that meet the needs of our residents.
The Local Insight tool helps professionals and members of the public access key health and wellbeing data.
Population health management and Public Health intelligence
Population health management (PHM) and Public Health intelligence (PHI) help us understand and improve the health and well-being of our communities by looking at patterns and trends for Havering’s population, not just individual health concerns.
PHM/PHI is an essential area of Public Health
PHM and PHI are crucial nationally and locally to ensure that healthcare and other services meet people’s needs effectively. With limited resources, good data helps us prioritise and make decisions that can save lives and reduce inequalities
The NHS Long Term Plan (a strategy to improve the NHS's future by preventing illness, treating patients, and reforming services) prioritises PHM to improve care and reduce health inequalities.
Data-driven approaches can save healthcare costs while improving outcomes.
Public health intelligence helps identify at-risk groups early, allowing interventions that prevent illness and reduce pressure on healthcare services.
PHM/PHI is an area of Public Health focus in Havering
In Havering, PHM and PHI are critical to inform effective action to meet health challenges, including an ageing population, rapidly increasing numbers of children, and health inequalities between populations of different areas.
By understanding our local data, we can better meet the needs of our population and work to tackle issues like smoking, obesity, and mental health more effectively.
Key facts
- Havering has one of the highest proportions of older adults in London and one of the fastest growing 0-4 aged population in the country. Both of these population groups need more healthcare, but in very different ways.
- Life expectancy differs by up to 7 years between some areas in Havering.
- Local obesity rates among children are rising, with 1 in 5 children aged 4 to 5 classed as obese.
What we do in Havering
We collect and analyse local health data to understand our community needs.
Key initiatives
- Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) – We collect and analyse local population, health and wellbeing data to understand the biggest health challenges in Havering. This helps us and our partners plan services that meet the needs of our residents.
- Local Insight tool – We have developed an interactive tool that helps professionals and members of the public access key health and wellbeing data. This makes it easier to identify issues and target interventions and support where they are needed most.
- Launder's Lane air quality monitoring – We are monitoring air pollution in this area to understand the impact on health and help inform action.
How you can make a change
Members of the public can:
- stay informed – Use reliable health information to make decisions about your lifestyle, such as NHS resources or local health services.
- engage with health services – Attend check-ups, screening, and vaccinations to help prevent illness and catch health issues early.
- share feedback – Your experiences help to shape services. Participate in local health surveys or consultations to help improve healthcare planning.
Professionals working in the area can:
- use data to inform your work – Look at local health trends and inequalities to ensure interventions are targeted to where they are most needed.
- collaborate and share insights – Work with colleagues across health and social care to build a complete picture of population health needs.
- promote evidence-based approaches – Support initiatives that use data to prevent illness, improve outcomes, and make better use of resources.