Ambitious plan to boost health and wellbeing
‘PEOPLE HERE DIE YOUNGER AND LIVE WITH ILLNESSES FOR LONGER’
NHS and civic leaders in the North East have launched a plan to “reduce the gap between us and the rest of England” when it comes to our health and wellbeing.
Developed by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Partnership – made up of NHS, local authority and third sector groups – the new Better Health and Wellbeing for All plan aims to alter a stark picture.
The North East has the highest rate of drug-related deaths in England, the second highest rates for heart and liver disease and the highest rates of suicide.
Social deprivation – especially among children, with child poverty in the North as high as it’s been since 2001 at 34% – is also a huge issue. The new report recognises the links between these factors and sets out “a series of demanding targets to improve lives”. These include aims to:
■ Reduce smoking from 13% of adults in 2020 to 5% or below
■ Reduce alcohol-related admissions to hospital by 20%
■ Halve the difference in the suicide rate in our region compared to England
■ Reduce drug-related deaths by at least 15% by 2030
■ Increase the number of people who survive cancer for five years by diagnosing 75% of cancers at an early stage
■ Increase the number of people with a healthy weight.
■ Reduce social isolation, especially for older and vulnerable people
■ Reduce the gap in life expectancy for people in the most excluded groups
Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, chair of the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board and the former chief medical officer for England, said: “Our region has done a great deal to improve people’s health, but the statistics still make for difficult reading. Sadly, people here still die younger and live with illnesses for longer than in other parts of the country – especially in our most deprived communities.
“In nine of our 13 local authority areas there is a healthy life expectancy of less than 60 years. There are only four areas in the whole of the south of England that are this low.”
The plan, published last week also explains it is vital that health and social care organisations work together to find ways to tackle broader societal issues – including housing, education, employment, and the economy.
Professor Sir Liam added: “We have set a vision and ambitions which we hope will reduce the gap between us and the rest of England, so that all our communities can live healthier and happier lives.”
Tom Hall, is director of public health in South Tyneside. He has previously spoken of the need for a broad approach – and greater devolution – to help tackle the deep-seated issues in our region.
He said: “We want longer and healthier lives for people in our region, and everyone to have the same opportunities to stay healthy regardless of where they live or what they earn. We will work for high-quality health and care services for everyone, with children getting the best start in life.”