1. HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Chris Gordon

2. Aim and Objectives
To increase understanding of the use and application of the Health Impact Assessment
Define what HIA is and its benefits to health
Introduce the HIA tool and how to use it

3. What is Health Impact Assessment?
Health impact assessment is intended to help make decisions by predicting the health consequences if a proposal is implemented. In addition to assessing the health consequences it also produces recommendation as to how the good consequences for health could be enhanced and how the bad consequences could be avoided or minimised. It aims to predict not only the overall consequences for a population but also the distribution of health impacts in that population, which groups benefit and which groups lose or at least benefit less. HIA may be used to assess policies, programmes or projects. Those undertaking the HIA should always carefully consider the requirements and the concerns of the decision makers whom they intend to inform.

4. HIA Documents
Health Impact Assessment of Government Policy -
Quantifying Impacts of Government Policies -
Screening and other tools that can be used in HIAs -
DH HIA Tool included in folder for this session

5. References:
DH (2010). Health Impact Assessment of Government Policy. London, Stationery office. DH (2010). Health Impact Assessment Tools. London, Stationery office. DH (2010). Health Impact Assessment: Evidence on Health. London, Stationery office. DH (2010).Quantifying Health Impacts of Governmant Policy. London, Stationery office. DH (2010). Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Impact Assessments. London, Stationery office. Department of Health (1999). Saving Lives – Our Healthier Nation. London: The Stationery Office European Commission (1999) Fourth Report on the Integration of Health Protection Requirements in Community Policies. V/99/408-EN. Brussels: European Commission. Cory Environmental & Wheelabrator Technologies Inc (2010). Willows Power and Recycling Centre: Health Impact Assessment. Accessed World Health Organisation Accessed