‘This is our health’ – Have your say this summer
Date published:
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt 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:
- Photo caption: Teams from PHA and the Health Trusts have been engaging with the public at the 'This is our health' roadshows.
- 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.
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