Health inequalities to be confronted

Performance measures for tackling health inequalities are to be
introduced in a move to improve the health of disadvantaged
groups.

The measures, announced by health secretary John Reid last week,
will be included in guidance for local strategic partnerships as
part of the government’s plan to tackle health inequalities in
England.

“For too long we have been prepared to tolerate glaring differences
in health between different parts of our country and different
groups within it,” Reid said.

Andrew Cozens, senior vice-president of the Association of
Directors of Social Services, said the report’s comments on
one-stop shops and primary care focusing on young people were
“broad hints” on the content of the forthcoming green paper on
children.

www.doh.gov.uk/healthinequalities/programmeforaction