This consultation period has now closed.
Health inequalities can exist in many dimensions including ethnicity, age, gender, geography and socioeconomic status. The causes and definitions of such health inequalities are complex. Inequalities in health or outcomes such as life expectancy and ill health can be investigated along four broad themes:
• wider determinants of health such as employment, education, housing and environment;
• lifestyles or health behaviours such as smoking, drinking and sexual behaviour;
• secondary prevention e.g. screening, early treatment of conditions to prevent deterioration;
• access to services such as health and social care. Equity of access means equal access,
equal need, where need relates to the level of illness.
Gateshead Council Overview and Scrutiny has responded to the suggestion from Cabinet that the gap in life expectancy between the wards in the Borough, a ten year gap in one case, requires an investigation. It is proposed that the review explores:
• where can action to reduce inequalities in the short term be prioritised to maximise their effect ;
• what further action can be taken which leads to a sustained long term reduction in health inequalities;
• how can health inequalities be placed at the centre of strategic planning and commissioning;
• how to ensure that local plans and strategies impact on health and health inequalities in a positive way.
The Planning Group steering the review is gathering material on each of the four themes, in relation to:
• local intelligence/issues;
• evidence for what works in tackling inequalities;
• national targets or strategy.
The process will involve stakeholder and public consultation, including pulling together previous consultation exercises related to health issues. A focal point for the review will be testing its initial findings in the two wards with the highest and lowest life expectancy in Gateshead (Whickham South and Sunniside, and Bensham and Lobley Hill).
If you would like to submit your views as evidence please contact: Susan Hood, Administrative Lead, Public Health, Team View, 5th Avenue Business Park, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead NE11 0NB. This consultation period has now closed.
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