HEALTH bosses in Great Yarmouth and Waveney have outlined their public pledges for the next five years.Tackling smoking, obesity, cancer and offering health checks for 40 to 74-year-olds are just some of the area's health chiefs from the PCT will focus on.

HEALTH bosses in Great Yarmouth and Waveney have outlined their public pledges for the next five years.

Tackling smoking, obesity, cancer and offering health checks for 40 to 74-year-olds are just some of the area's health chiefs from the PCT will focus on.

The pledges are being made as part of the organisation's five-year strategy.

Director of public health Dr Alistair Lipp said: “As a primary care trust - which means we buy services for patients in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area - we have set out this long term plan because we want to have the fastest improving health in the region.

“We want to achieve a 20pc reduction in inequalities for our community, improve access and choice for patients as well as improve quality and safety.

“We plan to do this by leading the way in a large number of projects including the improvement of dementia services, maintaining the high access to dentistry we already have in this area, improve the uptake of the immunizations and tackle tobacco control and teenage pregnancy.”

The five-year plan was due to be approved at this week's NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney's public board meeting.

The aim is to help people manage their own long-term conditions outside hospital and personal health plans have been introduced for patients with long-term conditions.

The strategy is also focused on improving care for travelers and migrant workers, with a specialist health visitor and health trainer already appointed.

Chair of NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney's clinical executive committee Dr Jamie Wyllie said: “As a practicing local GP I wholeheartedly support this Five-Year Strategy.

“NHS GYW is focusing on the right areas to improve the health of the population we serve and although economic times for the NHS are difficult I am excited by these plans.

“I'm particular encouraged by the fact that we are paying ever more attention to helping patients managing their long-term illnesses themselves, and trying to prevent illnesses before they arise where that is possible.”

For more information visit www.livinglife.gyw.nhs.uk.