Socio-health districts are organizational structures within the national healthcare system tasked with ensuring the delivery of health and social services across regions. Their main role is to coordinate and integrate health and social services to effectively and efficiently address the needs of the population. These districts operate at a local level and are responsible for planning, managing, and evaluating healthcare and social activities.
The functions of socio-health districts include health promotion, disease prevention, care, and rehabilitation. They provide primary, specialized, hospital, and home care services, while also supporting social policies for inclusion and assistance to the most vulnerable groups. These districts are also involved in managing health emergencies and safeguarding public health.
In the Province of Savona, the socio-health districts are an integral part of ASL 2 Liguria, the local health authority covering the entire provincial area. The province is divided into several districts, each with specific territorial competences and responsibilities. Currently, in the Province of Savona, there are five socio-health districts:
- Social-Healthcare District 1 – Savonese: This district encompasses the area of Savona and its neighboring municipalities. It is the largest in terms of population, offering a wide range of healthcare and social services to meet the needs of both urban and suburban areas.
- Social-Healthcare District 2 – Finalese: Located in the western part of the province, it includes the Municipality of Finale Ligure and other localities along the Riviera delle Palme. It provides home care services and palliative care, while also supporting facilities for the elderly and disabled.
- Social-Healthcare District 3 – Albenganese: Covers the area of Albenga and surrounding towns. This district is particularly active in promoting prevention and public health programmes, as well as integrating social and healthcare services.
- Social-Healthcare District 4 – Val Bormida: Situated inland, covering the Val Bormida and mountainous regions. Here, the focus is primarily on elderly care and chronic illnesses, with a strong commitment to improving service accessibility in rural areas.
- Social-Healthcare District 5 – Ponente Savonese: Serves the westernmost part of the province, including towns like Varazze and Celle Ligure. This district focuses on social integration projects and family services, along with providing basic and specialised medical care.
Each district is equipped with its own district council, which consists of representatives from local institutions and third-sector organizations. This ensures a participatory and collaborative management. These councils work together to develop intervention plans that address the specific needs of their respective communities, emphasizing the importance of proximity and the appropriateness of care.