A commitment to raise the life expectancy of the most socially disadvantaged in West Sussex and across the South East by 18 months was just one of the aims set out in a new health strategy for the South East launched today by Jonathan Shaw, Regional Minister for the South East.
In West Sussex, the population is generally older than average and is healthy in comparison to other areas of England. The early death rate for circulatory disease in Worthing is higher than the regional average and the early death rate for cancer in Adur is also higher than the regional average.
'The South East England Health Strategy' identifies the main priorities and actions needed to improve the health of people living in the South East, focusing on six specific themes:
- Health inequalities - reduce health inequalities and raise the life expectancy of the most socially disadvantaged
- A sustainable region - promote sustainability to maximise the positive impact on people's health
- Safer communities - reduce violence and create a safer, sustainable community promoting social cohesion and well-being
- Employment and health - improve workplace health and social inclusion in employment to create a more productive workforce and promote greater population well-being
- Children and young people - promote the physical and mental well-being of children and young people
- Later life - improve the healthy life expectancy of older people and reduce inequalities in health by adding years to life, adding life to years and adding dignity to care.
The strategy links actions at a national, regional and local level to ensure that all those with an interest in health issues work in partnership to improve the health of everyone in the South East.
Welcoming the strategy, Jonathan Shaw said:
"Health is everyone's business. Although we have some of the healthiest communities in the UK, we also have some communities and groups who experience shocking health inequalities. Across the South East, differences in life expectancy of ten or more years can be found.
"Through this strategy, we aim to reduce the inequalities in health that exist between geographical areas and population groups across the region and ultimately make the South East the healthiest region in England and one of the healthiest in Europe."
The strategy recognises the contribution that a healthy population and high quality health and social care services can make to improving the overall quality of life and the economy in the South East. It is designed to guide region-wide policy-making by identifying a number of key areas where joint working together can make a difference to addressing the underlying causes of ill health.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, Joint Regional Director of Public Health, South East Public Health Group and NHS South East coast said:
"This strategy has been developed to ensure that other regional policies and plans take account of health and health inequalities. Through this strategy we are working towards creating an environment which stimulates innovative thinking and co-ordinated action to improve health and well-being. The NHS, Local Authorities, the voluntary and community sector and the business and academic sectors have all indicated to us their recognition of the importance of this work and their willingness to work together to support the delivery of this strategy."
Dr John Newton, Joint Regional Director of Public Health, South East Public Health Group and NHS South Central said:
"As Regional Directors of Public Health we will use this strategy to lead and support the many organisations and partnerships working to improve health and well-being in the South East. We look forward to working with our partners over the coming years to make a real difference to peoples' lives across this vibrant and dynamic region."
