A renewed cross-departmental strategy to tackle inequalities and ill-health

Health inequalities including unfair and avoidable differences in health and access to healthcare across the population, and between different groups within society have long been an issue. The COVID pandemic and the current cost of living crisis have exposed and exacerbated underlying health inequalities across society which means that tackling the causes of health inequalities is even more urgent now.    

Progress with health care and medical science has been significant in recent years but the benefits are not equally shared because of systemic marginalisation, discrimination and inequality in income. As a result, people in marginalised groups and communities are more likely to live shorter lives, and to struggle with more health difficulties.     

Life expectancy for men in the most deprived areas of NI is on average 7.5 years less than their counterparts in the least deprived areas.  For women, the differential is 4.3 years.  In Northern Ireland there are 9 admissions to hospital for every 20 people in the most deprived areas compared to 6 admissions for every 20 people in the least deprived areas. These inequalities continue to have a detrimental impact on the entire HSC system at a time when hospital services are under extreme pressure and as we attempt to rebuild services and tackle waiting lists post COVID.    

The current 10 year strategy, Making Life Better, which was published as a whole system strategic framework for public health and tackling health inequalities in NI, comes to an end in 2023.  This strategy was written at a different time and in different circumstances and urgently needs renewed.    

The CSP is calling on conference, to ensure that any forthcoming Programme for Government by the NI Executive, contains as a priority the development of a renewed cross-departmental strategy to tackle inequalities and ill-health.