Health Impact Assessment Services
Background
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an approach to ensure that decision making at all levels considers the potential effects of decisions on health. In line with other forms of impact assessment HIA seeks to identify actions that enhance positive effects and reduce or eliminate negative effects. HIA is relatively new, and although there is no single agreed national approach or methodology, the value of HIA is increasingly being recognised, both nationally and internationally.
HIA is not a statutory requirement but it has been endorsed by national policies, programmes and guidance. Recent examples include the Select Committee on Health recommending that HIA is carried out on major planning proposals, and the requirement of the London Plan for Boroughs to have regard to the health impacts of development proposals (Policy 3A.20). It is becoming part of good practice to integrate health and social issues into other forms of impact assessment. HIAs provide a key opportunity to address health issues and are likely to have greater effect when they are carried out within the plan making framework.
Health impact assessment works with a broad model of health which includes, but does not stop at, the medical model of health. Determinants of health are major factors which affect population health like housing, employment, social support, crime and community safety and education.
From the developer’s (promoter’s) viewpoint, the merits of a proposal can be enhanced if it can be demonstrated that steps have been taken to maximise the health benefits and mitigate potential adverse effects. HIA is likely to make the formal planning approval stages run more smoothly and achieve greater acceptance of controversial schemes. Health risks to local communities are increasingly a reason for objections to development proposals. Objectors tend to focus on potential adverse effects arising from single issues without giving proper consideration of the positive effects which may help to overcome or counteract the negative effects. However, HIA is based upon holistic models of health and will consider all the potential effects both positive and negative. Consequently, HIA provides a balanced approach which can help inform decision making and overcome potential objections based upon single issues or aspects of a development proposal, thereby minimising risk to the project.
Service Requirements
HIA has its origins in Environmental Impact Assessment and, not surprisingly, follows a number of well-defined steps which are very similar to those used for EIA, notably:
Generally HIA can be undertaken at three levels, according to NHS guidance:
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Rapid – a brief investigation of the main health impacts of a proposal. This usually involves an exchange of existing knowledge and expertise, and research from previous HIAs. Rapid HIA is usually carried out quickly, and with relatively few resources.
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Intermediate – a more detailed investigation of health impacts. This usually involves a review of the available evidence and any similar HIAs; exploration of opinions, experiences and expectations of those concerned with, or affected by, the proposal; and the production/analysis of new information.
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Comprehensive – an intensive investigation of health impacts undertaken over an extended period (months). This involves a review of the available evidence along with other elements mentioned under intermediate HIA. Comprehensive HIA would usually also involve the production and analysis of new information.
It is usually sensible to carry out an initial screening and scoping exercise to identify the appropriate level of health impact assessment. This will identify where the focus of the HIA should be. This could be conducted with relevant stakeholders.
Temple Capabilities
Temple has a team of environmental health practitioners with established and proven expertise in Health Assessment.
HIA complements and has strong linkages with other planning and development processes such as Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal. Temple has capabilities in these other service areas and can provide a comprehensive solutions integrating HIA with other legislative requirements.
We are experienced in different stakeholder techniques and consultation and have enjoyed good working relationships with Local Planning Authorities and the health sector. This means that we are well placed to achieve consensus and inclusive decision-making.
The Temple Team
Temple team is a combination of experts in the fields of environmental impact assessment and planning.
The core team of health and environmental health practitioners is complemented by specialists in:
Service Users
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Developers
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Planning Consultants
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Transport Promoters and Providers
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Local Planning Authorities
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Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and other health organisations.
Contacts
For further details regarding our services, please contact us on 0207 394 3700 or enquiries@templegroup.co.uk
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