New Healthy Lifestyle Service launched in Devon
A new healthy-lifestyle service commissioned by Devon County Council aims to help the increasing number of adults at risk of developing long-term health conditions take small steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
OneSmallStep, provided by leading health services organisation Optum – in partnership with Solutions4Health, which will provide specialist stop-smoking services – will help Devon’s residents adopt healthy lifestyle choices and reduce their risk of more serious health issues. The free service, which goes live on 1 February 2017, provides inspiration and tools for people to take control of their own health and well-being, by motivating them to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, increase physical activity, address smoking and reduce the risk of harm from alcohol.
Support will be delivered by trained staff and evidence-based tools available online, by telephone and via social media; and will include signposting to local groups and activities, or into other specialised services where face-to-face support is required for people in greatest need.
Optum will work alongside GPs and other health professionals, community pharmacies, voluntary networks and community organisations and will connect with other services to increase reach to capitalise on a wide range of local assets.
The contract to deliver the service represents an investment of potentially £3m over a five-year period.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member with responsibility for improving health and wellbeing, said: “We want to help support and motivate Devon’s residents to live the healthiest life they can and reduce the risk of health issues later on in life.
“By taking action early, people can prevent many of the common illnesses later in life that are often associated with unhealthy lifestyles. OneSmallStep will provide a comprehensive gateway to information and support for people to make better choices and take control of their health.”
Steve Brown, Deputy Director of Public Health for Devon County Council, said: “We understand that people’s lifestyle choices can be deeply engrained, and it isn’t always easy to access clear advice or facts around health, or take small steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
"We were impressed by the extensive health services experience of both our partners and their vision for how the program can be delivered in Devon. We are looking forward to working with them, and with our community partners, on this innovative healthy lifestyle service for Devon’s residents.”
Dr. Martin McShane, Chief Medical Officer, Clinical Delivery, Optum said: “We are grateful for the opportunity to support Devon County Council in its goal to improve public health. By giving clear advice and facts to individuals, and by drawing on our experience in working elsewhere in the UK and worldwide, we believe the people of Devon will benefit from the services OneSmallStep will offer.”
Leena Sankla, Director of Public Health and Lifestyle Services for Solutions 4 Health, said: “We take a very positive approach about reducing health inequalities through supporting and empowering people to improve their health and wellbeing. After all, smokers are four times more likely to stop successfully when they have professional support.”
For more information, visit www.onesmallstep.org.uk.
For more information, contact:
Louise Raymond, Senior Communications Officer – lead for Public Health and Health & Wellbeing Board, DCC on 01392 383855 louise.raymond@devon.gov.uk
Aisling Kearney, Director of Communications at Optum, on 07919 142 734 or aisling.kearney@optum.com
About Optum:
Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group, is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business. Optum’s work stretches across virtually every segment of healthcare, which means the company is able to bring a big picture perspective to specific client challenges around the world. Optum has been involved in the UK healthcare arena since 2002 helping clinicians deliver high quality, cost effective healthcare and improve the lives and wellbeing of patients. www.optum-uk.com
About Solutions 4 Health
Solutions 4 Health® is an innovative, forward-thinking healthcare provider with expertise in three divisions: healthcare, information systems and technology enabled care services. Solutions 4 Health’s divisions work synergistically to provide a one stop solution for the delivery and management of outcome focused Public Health Lifestyle Services. Solutions 4 Health sets the industry standard for tackling health inequalities on behalf of primary and secondary care NHS services, local authorities and Public Health England and has direct experience in providing healthcare within the heart of communities, making services accessible for hard to reach groups and taking services to the population. Solutions 4 Health provide a range of services including smoking cessation, Falls Prevention, NHS health checks, chronic disease self-management, cardiovascular prevention, weight management and health trainers. For more information, visit www.solutions4health.co.uk