Health impact assessment (HIA) is a process that provides a systematic yet flexible
framework that can be used to consider the wider effects of local and national policies or
initiatives and how they, in turn, may affect people’s health. Some of the effects may be
positive, whilst others could be more harmful. The aim is to assess and where relevant
remove or mitigate any possible negative impacts on health and well-being and to maximise
opportunities to improve the health of the population.