Tackling Inequality and Delivering Fairer Health Outcomes For All
Wednesday 10th June 2009
Whilst the combination of rapid medical advancement and extensive investment in the NHS has contributed to improvements in the general level of public health in Britain, it is clear that parts of our local communities are failing to benefit equally and are being left behind. Health inequalities remain entrenched in society, with poor health and life expectancy bound strongly to social exclusion, poverty and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Acknowledging that the causes of poor health and persistent health inequality are complex and distinct to an individual, a neighbourhood or community, the government has pledged to identify and tackle both the specific health threat and its wider social causes. Through the ‘Choosing Health’ delivery plan and the NHS ‘Tackling Health Inequalities’ programme the Government has extended the role and responsibility of local authorities and practitioners best placed to respond to specific and complex local health needs, targeting a 10% reduction in health inequality by 2010. Whilst there has been marked improvement in the overall health of the nation, figures released in June 2008 indicated that the gap in health outcomes between those at the top and bottom ends of the social scale remains large and in some areas continues to widen. Nevertheless, underlining its commitment to achieving the national target and to further reducing health inequality beyond 2010, the Government has developed several new national schemes directed at improving health from within the community and injected further funding and support into local strategies, including:
- £11 million for the Communities for Health scheme
- £2.5 million for the Healthy Communities programme
- £5.5 million for 2nd wave of pacesetters, targeting diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease indisadvantaged areas.
- £30 million for 9 healthy towns under Change4Life
With the ambitious 2010 deadline fast approaching, this timely conference, hosted by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies, will provide an invaluable opportunity for local authorities, practitioners and stakeholders to assess how the PSA target for health inequalities can be met and also consider the longer term outlook for achieving fairer health outcomes for all. The conference will consider the role of local government and collaborative partnerships in supporting and promoting healthier lifestyles within disadvantaged communities. Delegates will have the opportunity to debate, network and share practical and innovative solutions to local health needs.
Files
Programme.pdf
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Overview.pdf
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Created Wed 8 Apr 2009 by Michael Heasman | Email to a friend