Healthy Homes Dorset 2024

Each winter there are approximately 500 avoidable Excess Winter Deaths (EWDs) in Dorset and an estimated 4,000 related emergency hospital admissions, 16,000 related outpatient visits, and 16,000 related social care calls, the majority of which affect vulnerable older people and people with long term cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Between a fifth and a third of these are estimated to be caused by cold homes: It is the second most significant factor for EWD: Only seasonal ‘flu has more of an influence. Preventative works such as insulation are the cornerstone to providing cost-effective improvements in resident independence and wellbeing while delivering reduced demand for social and health care and their relevant costs. From 2015 to 2023, the Healthy Homes Dorset (HHD) programme has provided advice to thousands of residents and improved hundreds of homes to help reduce illness, maintain independence, reduce costs and Carbon emissions and improve air quality, while supporting construction industry skills and jobs. Tenders have been sought from suppliers for the delivery of the HHD programme from April 2024 over a maximum 4 year term.