Press Releases

Tackling health inequalities in Berkshire – University of Reading

Release Date : 24 May 2004

Health and social care professionals and others from across the county are coming together on Wednesday 26 May at the Bracknell Sport and Leisure Centre to share their plans to tackle health inequalities in the county. Some 60 representatives from the six Primary Care Trusts, local authorities, the voluntary sector, the University of Reading and other organisations will be meeting throughout the day to discuss issues ranging from smoking cessation and substance misuse to housing provision and social exclusion. It is hoped the meeting will help develop a wider Public Health network in Berkshire and allow those interested in Public Health to exchange views and work more closely together. There are significant inequalities in life expectancy between genders, socio-economic groups and geographical areas and by ethnicity. For example, mortality from coronary heart disease, lung cancer and accidents are greatest among men in lower socio-economic groups. Currently the Government is seeking the views of the public on what should be the content of the new approach to Public Health, which will be announced in the White Paper in the autumn. This event will develop a report which will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Health as a wide-ranging set of recommendations. The Government Office for the South East is sponsoring the event, but we anticipate that the views expressed will reflect many diverse opinions. end Notes to Editors • For further information on the Government White Paper Consultation and health inequalities in general, visit the Department of Health website http://www.doh.gov.uk. • For further information on health inequalities issues in Berkshire please contact Dr Don Sinclair, Director of Public Health, Slough PCT, Telephone 01753 635178