Improving and protecting the health of the people of Lothian
We work in Partnership locally to reduce health inequalities and improve population health.
The health of our population
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/publichealth/wp-content/uploads/sites/105/2023/03/pexels-antoni-shkraba-5862404-scaled-e1679332713742-1024x481.jpg)
We collect and study information about the health of our population.
We look at:
- Illness e.g. diabetes and cancer.
- Outbreaks of disease e.g. e.coli, salmonella and blood borne viruses.
- Non medical factors that affect health e.g. where people live and work, how much money they have or their education.
Creating healthy communities
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/publichealth/wp-content/uploads/sites/105/2023/03/nathan-dumlao-P5MXtYfgmmw-unsplash-scaled-e1679332913898-1024x481.jpg)
We work with NHS colleagues, local authorities and the Third Sector to plan and shape services.
We focus on services that create:
- The best possible start in life for children and young people e.g. midwives and health visitors, sexual health, education and other children’s services.
- Healthy places e.g. health professionals, community planning partners, housing, town and transport planners, environmental health.
- Sustainable economies e.g. local employers and community wealth building groups.