Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
Hertfordshire based its work on topics jointly agreed as priorities rather than just what the public health team thought was important. Projects with too many barriers or dependencies were put back while higher priority and more deliverable projects were prioritised.
Firefighters are delivering life-saving treatment at certain Red One emergencies in a collaboration which is transforming the way services are delivered to residents in Surrey and Sussex.
The tragedy of 13 separate fire deaths in one year has led to a transformation in how Dorset firefighters work with partner agencies to enable residents to live safely in their own homes.
The reputation of the fire and rescue service in the public psyche means firefighters can often gain access to households where other services are turned away. This trusted status is enabling Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) to play a vital role in a Public Health England (PHE) pilot, aimed at reducing the winter pressure on NHS and local council services.
Firefighters in Humberside are providing the first response to reports of falls in the home in a pilot that is helping to reinvent the role of the fire service.
Summary
Sandwell Council and Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT) have created the Sandwell Healthy Urban Development Unit (SHUDU). This is a forum for officers and members to coordinate and integrate spatial planning and efforts to reduce health inequalities.
Over half of all fire deaths and injury in the home happen to people aged over 60, according to the Chief Fire Officers Association. Recent research has also shown that impairment and disability increase the risk of injury or death from fire.
Falls are responsible for more than four in 10 deaths in the home. Fires by comparison cause less than one in 10. So firefighters in Bury and Salford are playing their part in trying to reduce accidents by identifying those who are at risk of falling as part of their day-to-day work.
Firefighters in Wigan have become ‘health champions’ in their local community. Thanks to specialist training they are able to use their contact with residents to promote healthy messages, give advice and signpost people to help. In total, they work with 20 different agencies.