Welcome back to Engage from Delib. As we spring forward into March, many public bodies are around the world are focusing on healthy eating as part of Nutrition Month. But good health is about more than what’s on our plates. It’s also determined by the spaces we inhabit, the social connections we forge, and the opportunities we have to live active lives.
In this round-up, we’re taking a look at how community engagement is shaping public health initiatives, boosting physical activity, and improving safety — creating happier places for residents and visitors alike.
Customer insights and inspiration:
Northern Ireland Seeks to Restructure its Hospital Network
Northern Ireland’s health system is evolving. While medical practices and treatments have advanced, the way its hospital services are structured has not kept pace. The Department of Health’s goal now is to shift the balance of care towards more community-based services, reserving most hospital admissions for acute cases.
To do this, they propose categorising hospitals into four types: Local, General, Area, and Regional Centres — each with defined roles and clear lines of communication. It’s hoped this will be a more efficient system in the face of challenges like funding and increased demand. However, it’s also a huge effort and one that requires significant public input.
Their consultation asked citizens for specific feedback on their plans. For example, which hospitals should become regional hubs, how they should work with local GP services and community pharmacies, and transport considerations for patients and healthcare workers alike. Overall, they want to know how to improve capacity without compromising access to the most appropriate level of care — a tricky balance to get right the first time around.
Public engagement took place across a series of in-person events in six Trust areas, plus a Citizen Space consultation for online responses. Results will be published soon and will help share the future of care in Northern Ireland for years to come.
NHS Scotland Consults on Workplace Safety
The healthcare industry is demanding, to say the least, as NHS Scotland’s 160K workforce know all too well. Beyond the daily pressures of caring for patients and their families, these medical professionals also face dangers that you won’t typically find in other settings.
That’s why the ‘Once for Scotland’ initiative is reviewing and refreshing key safety policies that impact daily working life. Their consultation covers a wide range of areas, from managing health at work — including handling violence, aggression, and stress — to tackling specific hazards like chemical exposure and lone working. Additionally, the refreshed National Menopause and Menstrual Health Policy and Adverse Weather Policy are now part of the framework.
The consultation runs until 21st March and everyone is encouraged to take part — including staff, patients, third-party organisations, and the public. Visit the Citizen Space consultation page to review the list of policies and share your views.
Western Australia Evaluates Public Building Regulations
The Western Australia Department of Health is seeking feedback on the safety of its public buildings.
Their consultation (the second on this topic) focuses on the question of whether current federal and state regulations adequately protect the public in spaces like libraries, community centres, and schools. Specifically, it asks if repealing the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992 would create unacceptable public health risks, or if new laws fully address issues like:
- Overcrowding and safe occupancy limits
- Properly functioning fire exits and alarms
- Safe and accessible stairwells and elevators
- Emergency preparedness and risk management plans
- Appropriate building materials and ventilation
- Hygiene standards in public kitchens and eating rooms
The Department of Health welcomes any evidence — research, examples of problems, or personal experiences — showing where current regulations fall short. A helpful table in the consultation document compares existing regulations with other legislative instruments. The goal is to identify potential loopholes and close them. Share your views by the 18th April.
Castle Point Aims to Create a More Active Community
Castle Point Borough Council, partnering with Sport England and Active Essex, is on a mission to improve community health.
In a recent consultation, they called on residents to share their ideas on how to improve parks and open spaces, town centres, transportation options for walking and cycling, community spaces like leisure centres, and the coastline.
This initiative comes on the heels of Castle Point receiving funding from Sport England’s £250 million Place Expansion programme. This national initiative funds hyperlocal projects designed to get people in the most deprived communities moving; improving long-term public health and relieving pressure on the NHS.
After all, where you live has a big impact on your activity levels — because of factors like social infrastructure (i.e. sports groups and events) and physical infrastructure (i.e. cycle lanes, parks, and public gym equipment). As Castle Point falls within the top 10% nationally for health inequality and inactivity, they think the money can go a long way, and public input will ensure it’s used effectively.
Industry and legislative news:
UK Government Publishes Planning and Infrastructure Bill
The UK planning system faces its biggest overhaul since 2011 once the recently-published Planning and Infrastructure Bill becomes law. This is one of Labour’s flagship manifesto policies — which they hope will lead to faster decisions and more certainty in industrial strategy and housebuilding efforts. Most of the proposals will apply only to England and Wales, though several changes will also affect Scotland.
Here are the main takeaways at this early stage:
- Strategic planning to return in all areas of England. Under the bill, public bodies like Combined Authorities and Unitary Councils will create Spatial Development Strategies to deal with larger-than-local issues; a model closely based on the planning system used in London for over 20 years.
- A reformed consenting process for NSIP planning, with looser procedural requirements and fewer opportunities for judicial review of decisions in cases “deemed totally without merit”.
- A strengthened role for Development Corporations in the creation of New Towns, including new transport planning powers.
- A reduced role for Statutory Consultees in planning applications. While the expertise of these organisations will still play an important guiding role, they won’t be able to delay decisions to the extent of the current system.
- New powers for the Scottish government regarding electricity infrastructure consenting.
- New powers for Local Authorities to acquire land through Compulsory Purchase Orders at fair market value. This follows extensive consultation on the matter.
- Alternative ways for developers to make good on environmental obligations. For instance, by contributing to a new Nature Restoration Fund or acting in conformity with Environmental Delivery Plans created by Natural England.
On the surface, these reforms appear to double down on a top-down approach to planning — which the government justifies as essential to building 1.5 million homes in 5 years and growing the economy. However, there are also some olive branches offered to potential opponents of new development. For example, households near new electricity infrastructure like pylons will receive a £2500 discount on their energy bills over the next decade. This would act as compensation for possible reductions in property value due to works deemed necessary for the public interest.