• a web-based download service
• specialist user support available via govsurveys@esds.ac.uk
• training and workshops
• a range of value-added data enhancements

The Health Survey for England (HSE) is a series of annual surveys about the health of people living in England which began in 1991 and has been carried out annually since then. A number of core questions are included every year but each year's survey also has a particular focus on a disease or condition or population group. Topics are brought back at appropriate intervals in order to monitor change. The survey combines questionnaire-based answers with physical measurements and the analysis of blood samples. Blood pressure, height and weight, smoking, drinking and general health are covered every year. An interview with each eligible person in the household is followed by a nurse visit.

The early surveys, from 1991 to 1994, were confined to adults aged 16 and over but since 1995 HSE has also included children aged 2-15. In 2001, for the first time, this lower age limit was removed and the survey covers all ages. However, lower age limits are imposed for questions on certain topics. Information is obtained directly from persons aged 13 years and over. However, information about children aged under 13 years is obtained from a parent, with the child present.

Users registered with the Economic and Social Data Service (ESDS) have access to the HSE datasets via the instant download service or can analyse, visualise, subset and download selected data from HSE via the online Nesstar software tool.