What is a Health Needs Assessment (HNA)?

A Health Needs Assessment (HNA) helps to understand the health needs of a local population. It looks at who is most affected by health problems, where inequalities exist, and which needs are not currently being met.

An HNA uses a range of information, including public health data and wider factors such as social, economic, and lifestyle influences on health. This helps ensure that services and support are planned in the right places and for the people who need them most.

HNA reports provide more detailed insight into specific topics, supporting local partners to make informed decisions and take action to improve health and wellbeing.