Plans drawn up to reduce health inequalities in Coventry
15 May 2019
Key health agencies in Coventry are setting out plans that they hope will reduce health inequalities in the city.
Males living in some parts of the city can expect to live up to 10 years longer than men in other areas of Coventry; while the gap for females is eight years. People in some areas are also more likely to spend a greater proportion of their already shorter lives with ill health.
Gail Quinton, Health and Wellbeing Board member, and Deputy Chief Executive (People) at Coventry City Council, said that the divide in life experiences needed to be reduced. She also said that there are massive demands on health services especially as there is an expected growth in over-65 year olds.
She said: “We’ve been talking to dozens of residents and community groups to find out what the barriers are to better health and we have outlined a strategy that brings even more services together to find solutions.
“In Coventry there are significant pockets of deprivation which has a massive impact on health and wellbeing. We want people to live longer healthier lives with less reliance on health services; for people to feel safer and less isolated where they live; and children to flourish and lead successful lives.
“That’s why addressing issues like crime and homelessness are also vital and form part of our focus. Having a safe secure home is the foundation for a more stable life.”
The Health and Wellbeing Board have drawn up a strategy to include plans to run from 2019 to 2023 which they are now consulting on with other agencies and residents.
The Council and other local health and care partners will use the strategy to guide a range of local services.
It’s owned by the Coventry Health and Wellbeing Board, which brings together senior leaders from Coventry City Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, voluntary sector organisations, Coventry and Rugby Integrated Care Board, acute and community NHS trusts, and local universities.
The strategy includes potential priorities covering:
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Screening and immunisation uptake
- Young people and violence and exploitation
- Young people’s mental health
- Giving every child the best start in life
- Temporary housing and homelessness
- Health impact of air quality
- Access to urgent care
Gail added: “Community organisations we have spoken to say that communities are best placed to address health challenges. This is because they have networks, understand the issues on the ground and are trusted advocates of residents.
“However, their resources are limited and capacity is stretched so the public sector must enable community organisations to take a more leadership style role, by joining forces and building capacity.”
“We also want to find ways to jointly commission services so that we link our approaches more effectively.”
A detailed action plan will be drawn up for each priority, with clear performance measures, which will be monitored and reported against the plans to the Health and Wellbeing Board.
The Council and other health and care partners would like to hear from partner organisations, community groups and frontline staff involved in delivering health and care services and working in the city to improve health and wellbeing.
Residents are also being encouraged to provide their comments on the strategy.
People can visit our website to complete the survey on https://www.coventry.gov.uk/health-wellbeing/coventry-health-wellbeing-strategy. The deadline for comments is 3 June. To request a paper copy of the survey or for further information, please contact Debbie Dawson on 024 7697 1406 or e-mail: debbie.dawson@coventry.gov.uk