IT will take more than 20 years to close the Warrington “health gap” which results in the town having 19 areas which are among the worst 10 per cent for health inequalities across the nation.
Even if the borough’s new sustainable communities strategy achieves its stated aims, there could still be five areas of the town in the worst 10 per cent by 2030.
This is revealed in a progress report on the Warrington Partnership’s health inequalities strategy which is currently being refreshed following recent criticism of the borough by the Audit Commission in its Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA).
The Warrington Partnership consists of the borough council, NHS Warrington and about 40 other groups across the borough.
Work carried out by the council and its partners since the CAA inspection last summer has been received positively by the Department of Health and the Government Office for the North West, both of who have endorsed the approach taken and recognised progress made.
A working group has undertaken a mapping exercise of initiative and services to address the health gap, identity targets and gaps in provision, undertake an analysis of all partner initiatives and prepared an updated action plan to be implemented from April.
The group has shown a need to focus on the 19 worst areas which are in the following wards: Fairfield and Howley, Orford, Bewsey and Whitecross, Poulton North, Poplars and Hulme, Latchford East and Birchwood (Oakwood).
But as well as improving the areas in the worst 10 per cent, there is also a need to ensure that other parts of the borough do not deteriorate and that the health of the borough overall continues to improve.
The report also identifies vulnerable groups in terms of health inequality as people with mental health problems, older people, carers, children, black and minority ethnic groups and the homeless and drug users.
Work so far carried out is just the start of developing a more focused approach to address health inequalities, the report admits.
More is needed to fully address the issues raised by the CAA and also the recommendations of the Health Improvement National Support Team, which also recently carried out an assessment of Warrington and placed the town among 50 authorities needing action on health inequalities.
IT will take more than 20 years to close the Warrington "health gap"
which results in the town having 19 areas which are among the worst 10
per cent for health inequalities across the nation.
20 years to close town's health gap
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
