Jersey Health Survey 1999
Synopsis:
The aim of public health
is to profoundly influence both the policies and actions
needed to improve the quality of life of the population.
Measuring quality of life and the aspects of health,
which contribute to our general well-being, is not
usually part of routine data collection. It requires a
separate exercise. Jersey Health Survey was designed to
give a baseline measure on quality of life, health, and
a range of factors which influence our health.
The data collection for
the Jersey Health Survey was undertaken in 1999.
Preliminary results were available last year. There has
been a necessarily long period of data validation and
analysis. I am very pleased to publish this major report
prepared by the research group lead by David Gordon at
Bristol University.
The steering group for
the survey sought collaboration with an academic
department for two main reasons. The first was to assure
the quality of the project – the design of the
questionnaire, the methodology, and the analysis. The
second was to provide an external analysis and comment
on the key aspects of health and quality of life in
Jersey. I am very grateful to David Gordon, Liz Lloyd,
and Pauline Heslop for their report which reflects their
enthusiasm for the project, careful analysis, and a
genuine interest in the life of the island.
This is also a good time
to say thank you again to all the people of Jersey who
took part, and completed a lengthy questionnaire.
Judging by many comments, the opportunity to contribute
was welcomed.
We agreed not to include
a set of recommendations about policies and initiatives,
which would address some of the issues raised by the
information in the report. This is because external
prescriptions for change are most often disregarded.
Rather it is intended to invite relevant States
Departments and other agencies to adjust or develop
strategic plans to tackle those issues in the light of
the evidence. Since real progress will not be made
without the key sectors working together in partnership,
the big challenge will be to find a practical way to
ensure that happens.
John Harvey
Director of Public Health Services
September 2001
To download the full report please
click here |
