| answer text |
<p>The causes of health inequalities are multi-faceted and highly complex. The Department’s
aim is to take action to promote and support people to have healthier lifestyles and
to tackle differences in access to, and outcomes from, our health and public health
services.</p><p> </p><p>Our commitment and approach to tackling health inequalities
– and social injustice – is underpinned by the legal duty enshrined in the 2012 Health
and Social Care Act, which is to work to reduce inequalities.</p><p> </p><p>We have
introduced transparent high level measures to reduce health inequalities in the Public
Health Outcomes Framework and NHS Outcomes Framework. In March 2015, we published
an additional list of selected NHS Outcomes Framework indicators for which health
inequalities data has been made available. We have also recently published the NHS
Mandate for 2018/19 and the Public Health England (PHE) Remit letter for 2018/19 which
clearly set out those organisations’ responsibilities and work on reducing inequalities
in health.</p><p> </p><p>Tackling health inequalities is a core part of PHE’s Strategic
Vision for 2020. Statistics, evidence and tools are being developed to support action
by local authorities and the wider public health system to take effective action on
health equity.</p><p> </p><p>There is more to do to systematically address inequalities
and NHS England aims to improve and measure the impact of their programmes and also
better support local commissioners and providers in their work. The NHS England Board
discussed health inequalities and life expectancy at a meeting in March 2018, and
plans are being developed to take work forward. The board paper – Item 9 - on health
inequalities is available at the following link:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/nhs-england-board-meeting-papers-29-march-2018/"
target="_blank">https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/nhs-england-board-meeting-papers-29-march-2018/</a></p>
|
|
