Doctors call on MPs to tackle health inequality

Doctors in the North East have called on the region’s MPs to take "urgent, concerted action" to tackle health inequalities after the region suffered one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in the country.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said the North East had "suffered disproportionately" during the coronavirus pandemic and that the region’s high fatality rate has highlighted pre-existing health inequalities, brought about by employment, education, housing and other social factors.

In a letter sent to all of the region’s 29 MPs the BMA say the north-south health gap had widened before the pandemic, with the largest decreases in life expectancy seen in the most deprived areas of the North East.

It called for “urgent, concerted action” on the Government to redress the balance.

Dr George Rae, chair of the BMA North East Regional Council, wrote: "Unfortunately, not enough has been done to resolve this unfair situation, which now must be tackled head-on.

"Health consequences must be factored into all political decision-making.

He added: "As part of this, action must be taken to address social determinants of health, including ensuring a high standard of education for all, providing high-quality housing and delivering good employment opportunities.

"There can be no doubt now that urgent, concerted action is required to tackle this entrenched problem.

"The Government must now act to tackle regional health inequalities as a priority and, as an MP in the North East, I call on you to champion this much-needed change."