A REGIONAL strategy is to be drawn up to tackle the large inequalities in health that still exist across the east of England today.Although the region compares well to others across the country, there are still big differences between areas within the region.
A REGIONAL strategy is to be drawn up to tackle the large inequalities in health that still exist across the east of England today.
Although the region compares well to others across the country, there are still big differences between areas within the region.
Town and Bridge wards in Ipswich are some of the most deprived health areas in the region, along with Lowestoft.
The strategy will be jointly funded by the East of England Regional Assembly and the East of England Public Health Group, and will bring together key healthcare organisations and charities.
It will look at health issues that affect people of all ages and one of its key aims will be to ensure information on health issues is widely shared and understood.
Suffolk's director of public health, Brian Keeble, who has carried out much research into inequalities within Suffolk, said he welcomed the move: "It's very much in the early stages of development at the moment but anything that helps to address these issues is going to be of benefit.
"I hope that as the strategy is developed we will get the opportunity to feed in to it, and I hope they look very closely at the areas in Lowestoft, and the Town and Bridge wards in Ipswich, where there are the greatest disparities in Suffolk."
The foundations of the strategy were laid at a meeting between health officials and other interested organisations last month.
Tony Plumridge, a member of the Assembly said: "The meeting gave the Regional Health Strategy a great start.
"A huge variety of organisations attended, from sports agencies to trade unions, and expressed willingness to be involved.
"We're well on our way to a strategy that will support and build on much of the work already going on at a local level, to improve the health of the whole region."
A consultation draft will be produced by the summer.
What do you think of the idea? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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