What is a JSNA?

A Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is the means by which the local health economy, local authorities and third sector organisations work together to understand the future health, care and well-being needs of their community. The JSNA aims to support action to improve local people's well-being by ensuring that services meet their needs. It is designed to inform and drive future investment priorities and thereby help to plan services more effectively.

Sandwell's Health and Wellbeing Board and the JSNA

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 established health and wellbeing boards as a forum where key leaders from the health and care system work together to improve  the health  and wellbeing of their local population and reduce health inequalities.

Amongst other duties, the Boards will bring together clinical commissioning groups and councils to develop a shared understanding of the health and wellbeing needs of the community.  They will undertake a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment programme and develop a joint strategy for how these needs can be best addressed.  This will include recommendation for joint commissioning and integrating services across health and care.