RESIDENTS' KEY VIEWS. The teenage pregnancy strategy, support for the elderly people, and carers, rehabilitation facilities and midwifery services are seen as key, town-wide strengths. The lack of local health and medical facilities, particular as a physical building presence is, however, a key area of concern for local residents. Accessibility to GPs, surgeries, hospitals, chemists and heath centres is seen as a major difficulty, especially for those with mobility problems. There is also a strong recognition of the lack of awareness of who/where to go for help, support and advice and health education. Local proposals include a service directory for Dyke House/Jackson and the investigation into the possibility of providing additional health facilities including GP surgeries, health centre and chemist. The need for more local fitness and healthy lifestyles promotional work is also recognised.

KEY BASELINE/SURVEY DATA. The health statistics provide additional information on the condition of Dyke House/Jackson residents health. Standard mortality ratios in Dyke House/Jackson for all cancers,
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RECENT PROGRESS AND NEXT STEPS. Within the health service deliverers there is the over-riding principle of equal access for all. The emergence of the neighbourhood renewal agenda and the necessity to focus more clearly resources upon the most deprived areas of the town has seen noticeable shifts in the way services are delivered. For example the Hartlepool Primary Care Trust are using NRF funding to employ a school nurse at Dyke House School and a health development worker to operate in the Dyke House/Jackson neighbourhood. Sure Start will shortly begin delivering locally based health services including speech therapy, clinic, midwifery and mental health support from the Chatham Road Project and York Road/Lowthian Road sites. Sure Start is taking an active roll in supporting teenage parents and has undertaken local consultation to determine priorities.

The Health and Care Stategy Group, as the themed partnership is the key to overseeing progress made towards priorities. In order to monitor progress the lead organisation responsible for delivering each key action is identified.
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