Health Minister is calling on the public to
have their say about their health and the future of health and
social care in Northern Ireland.
‘This is our health' is a new approach to building an agreed deal
between the public and the health service, and Minister Nesbitt
is encouraging everyone to take part.
The Health Minister says we all need to consider fresh thinking
when it comes to building a healthier, more resilient Northern
Ireland. Commenting on the rollout of the programme, Minister
Nesbitt said: “This is our health' teams from Public Health
Agency and the Health Trusts have been on the road during May,
shining a spotlight on what people really want from the health
service and hearing more about the small daily things people do
to stay well for longer.
“We want to broaden what comes to mind when people think of
health and this initiative encourages a different kind of
relationship between the public and the health service, a
significant shift. People can choose their contribution by
telling us what they could do to help protect the things they
care about. In essence, we are inviting people to become partners
in healthcare, not simply patients.”
‘This is our health' will host engagement sessions at over 120
events right across Northern Ireland to identify what people need
most from the health service and the part they can play in making
those services work better. Teams from PHA and the Health Trusts
will be chatting to the public at shopping centres, car shows,
agricultural shows and festivals, as well as other community
events throughout June. The Community and Voluntary sectors are
also playing a key role, promoting ‘This is our health' to their
clients and service users.
Minister Nesbitt adds: “Our healthcare resources are limited,
demand is rising and care is becoming more complex. It is vital
that we support individuals to improve their own mental and
physical health, which will in turn free up capacity and help
protect vital services. We cannot protect the health service by
asking it to do more. We can all protect it by choosing to do
things differently.
“I welcome the opportunity ‘This is our health' provides to
explore how we can rethink our own health. The new model of
Neighbourhood Care will bring services much closer to people's
front doors, with a focus on prevention, early intervention and
providing the right support when needed. ‘This is our health'
encourages us all to take meaningful steps to improve our own
health and stay well for longer.”
Find out more about where to take part by visiting www.thisisourhealth.org.uk.
You can also complete a short online questionnaire about what
helps you stay well for longer and what aspects of the healthcare
system matter most to you. Complete your questionnaire by 31 July
2026.
Notes to editors:
- The aim of This is Our Health is to listen to people and
start developing an agreed “health and care deal” — an agreement
between the public and the HSC system about how we can all play a
bigger part, so people can live healthier lives
and services can focus their efforts where and when they are
needed most.
- Visit www.thisisourhealth.org.uk
to find out more.
