Since 1 April 2008, local authorities and PCTs have been under a statutory duty to produce a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). JSNA will inform Local Area Agreements and the Sustainable Communities Strategy.
The Operating Framework for the NHS in England 2008/2009 refers to the importance of JSNA in informing PCT Operational Plans. JSNA underpins a number of the World Class Commissioning competencies.
The process of JSNA will establish the current and future health and wellbeing needs of a population, leading to improved outcomes and reductions in health inequalities. This is a partnership duty which involves a range of statutory and non-statutory partners, informing commissioning and the development of appropriate, sustainable and effective services.
The Integrated Care Network and the Department of Health commissioned the Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham to conduct a national survey to explore preparations underway locally for implementing JSNA. The survey also looked at key barriers and enablers, and the potential implications for the delivery of the NHS and Local Government White Papers.
