GPs are targeting the treatment of long-term conditions including diabetes, respiratory problems, heart disease, and strokes in a bid to improve the health and well-being of people across the district.

Figures released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre last week show that adults in Bradford were more likely to die early as a result of preventable conditions than anywhere else in Yorkshire and Humber, but projects are already having a "huge impact" in and around the city, according to leaders of the clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).

Health chiefs said Bradford GPs recognised the district faced "unique health challenges" due to the diverse nature of its population, but were working hard to address issues with a range of innovative schemes, such as the 'Bradford Beating Diabetes' (BBD) programme within the Bradford City CCG.

Since the campaign got under way in November 2013, about 1,000 patients have been newly-diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, with a further 29,000 still deemed to be potentially at risk.

More than 10,000 patients have received lifestyle interventions from their GP, with Bradford receiving national recognition for the progress made during the campaign.

Dr Akram Khan, clinical chairman of Bradford City CCG, said: "I’m very proud of the fantastic progress the BBD campaign has made over the past year.

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"The fact that our innovative approach to tackling the city’s biggest health problem has led to us being named as one of seven demonstrator sites for the National NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is an amazing achievement.

"Our next big push is going to be 'Bradford Breathing Better', a campaign focusing on respiratory disease, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and both Bradford CCGs will be working closely to deliver this."

Another major project set to expand is the 'Bradford's Healthy Hearts' campaign, delivered by Bradford Districts CCG to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Dr Chris Harris, lead for long-term conditions at Bradford Districts CCG, said: "The campaign has already had a big impact in identifying people at risk of heart disease, and this will go from strength-to-strength as all 41 practices belonging to NHS Bradford Districts CCG are taking part.

"At the beginning of the project, GP practices started stroke risk reduction therapy for almost 400 patients.

"This has reduced the risk of stroke by 66 per cent, and could potentially prevent or postpone 16 strokes in a year.”

CCG leaders also said "significant progress" was being made to improve mental health services, recently establishing First Response, a 24-hour, seven-day-a week single point of access for people affected by acute mental health problems.

Dr Khan said: "The NHS is not just about managing sickness, we also need to support people to stay healthy for longer.

"As local GPs, we already know that for many of the most long-term ill patients, we must do more to deliver joined-up care that is patient-centred.

"There are many challenges ahead, but the progress we have made is a sign of the commitment and enthusiasm of our CCG to really make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing, both now and for future generations to come."