2017-05-032017-05-031990http://hdl.handle.net/11289/579500The health of Glasgow is poor compared with the average for Scotland, and very poor compared with the average for other industrialised countries. There are large and unacceptable differences between the socioeconomically most and least advantaged areas. There is good data available about many aspects of health and its determinants, but there is a particular lack of information about long-term illness and disability, and about mental health. A stronger information base is required in these and some other areas. Despite the current lack of data, needs based planning is possible. Most of the major causes of death and of both physical and mental ill health are to a considerable extent preventable. A simple methodology must be developed to turn needs assessment into decision making. An intersectoral approach, confronting all the determinants of health, is required.37 p.enhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/needs assessmenthealth inequalitiesmental healthsocial factorsphysical activityenvironmental healthlifestylelocal policyNeeds Assessment