Table 3

Interventions and outcomes of first Dumbiedykes Community Needs Assessment

Intervention

Outcome

Bus into estate

After being instigated and running for 5 years, the route was altered due to Local Authority cost constraints. It was re-instated with advocacy from the Health Forum.

Provision of multiple play areas

After discussion with the council, fenced off, lawned areas for children were constructed, but were later covered with shrubs rendering them unsuitable as play areas.

Citizens' advice in estate

Ceased due to under use, however notice boards remain to inform people of key issues and ways to get advice.

Local counsellor surgeries in estate

Well used by residents, and counsellor now attends the Health Forum

Change in housing allocation by Council

After the first study revealed that high numbers of people with serious mental illness were allocated to the area, there is now decreased placement of similar tenants.

Medical input into home-help training

Took place for one year. Supervisor remains in contact with Health Forum

Community education sessions

Encouraging response to initiative of health related courses. This led to further development and funding of a well-equipped computer centre, based in an old community room.

Supporting local residents' associations.

Support for associations was appreciated by residents, especially in consulting Council over housing conditions. However little progress was realised due to financial constraints in housing.

Improvements in provision of primary care.

New phone line, ramp, improvement of repeat prescribing system, and increased availability of appointments were implemented and remain in place.

Health Visitor embracing a community development role.

The community has welcomed active involvement by the local practice's health visitors, especially with the food co-operative, and nurse-led initiatives.

Campaign to increase access to local health and social services.

Services such as chiropody and nursery provision, despite local advocacy, have been centralised.

Brown et al. BMC Public Health 2006 6:68   doi:10.1186/1471-2458-6-68