Improving our health by translating research evidence into local NHS practice

Theme 4

Housing and health: SMART, Equal, Independent

Theme Lead
Dr John Middleton, Director of Public Health, Sandwell Primary Care Trust

Fuel poverty is distressing and associated with poor health and death. Many vulnerable people prefer to stay in their own homes rather than accept institutional care. In this theme the effect of an ongoing programme to improve home insulation and a technology based innovation, involving houses equipped with telecare facilities, will be studied. Social and community health services play an important role in supporting vulnerable people at home but they cannot monitor people at all times and incapacity can affect carers or people living on their own at any time. More