1. Introduction
 
What is a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)?

The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) establishes the current and future health and social care needs of a population, leading to improved outcomes and reductions in health inequalities. The JSNA informs the priorities and targets set by Local Area Agreements, leading to agreed commissioning priorities that will improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities throughout the Borough.

The JSNA marks the beginning of a process which will inform service reconfiguration, commissioning and decommissioning of services. The JSNA will evolve over the coming months and years as the demographic and health profile of the population changes. Information gathered in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment will be used to create a needs profile for Rotherham. It will be used to target resources at those in most need.

Why do we need a JSNA?

Since 1 April, 2008, Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts are under a statutory duty under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act to produce a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).

The Operating Framework for the NHS in England 2008/2009 refers to the importance of the JSNA in informing PCT Operational Plans. The JSNA underpins a number of the World Class Commissioning competencies.

The JSNA forms the basis of the new duty to co-operate. This partnership duty involves a range of statutory and non-statutory partners, informing commissioning and the development of appropriate, sustainable and effective services.

 
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Core Dataset

This document fully complies with the Department of Health’s JSNA Core Dataset, published on 1st August, 2008. It focuses on health and social care needs, breaking these down to Area Assembly level so a good understanding of these needs can be established for joint commissioning purposes.
 

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To read more about the NHS Rotherham Joint Strategic Needs Assessment download the full report or the summary document from 'Resources' on the left.