3:09pm Thursday 8th May 2008
By Dominic Bowers
A FIVE-YEAR health strategy for Tendring and Colchester is set to be unveiled.
Marking healthy choices, Our Commitments to you, has been produced by North East Essex Primary Care Trust.
It sets out nine commitments which include increasing life expectancy, improving the health and well-being of children and providing better access for patients.
Plans include working with schools to cut binge drinking by youngsters, focussing on diseases such as strokes, heart disease and cancer and upgrading some of the 45 GP practices.
Guests will have a chance to look at information stands about patient safety and talk to PCT staff about issues like how to dispose of unwanted medicines, antibiotic prescribing and hand hygiene.
Thousands of copies of the document will be distributed to GP surgeries, community pharmacies and dental practices across North East Essex.
It will be launched at Clacton's Princes Theatre on Tuesday at 3.40pm.
Professor Sheila Salmon, PCT chairman, and Dr Paul Zollinger-Read, chief executive, will speak at the event Dr Zollinger-Read said: "We plan to hold regular meetings in public beginning later this year.
"Each of will have a theme like mental health, GP access or primary care.
"The meetings will share news of our progress and find out what issues are important to the people of North East Essex."
The strategy was shaped by an eight-week public consultation, which netted almost 600 responses.
n Members of the public are welcome to attend next week's launch but must book a place in advance by contacting the communications department on 01206 286833 or communications@neessexpct.nhs.uk
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