Royal College of Psychiatrists: Equality impact assessment: Health inequalities: Progress and next steps
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Monday, 09, Jun 2008 12:00
Monday 9 June 2008 – the Royal College of Psychiatrists congratulates government on the remarkable gains in life expectancy which have occurred in areas of poor health and deprivation - so called ‘spearhead communities’.
“This is the first time a public health strategy has looked at the inequalities experienced by vulnerable people living within every community rather than focusing solely on the inequalities present in those geographical areas of greater deprivation,” said Professor Sheila Hollins, President.
The College endorses the Secretary of State’s comment, in his introduction, that: “Physical or mental ill health can remove every prospect of a fulfilled life”.
“We welcome government’s commitment to focus on developing mental health services further as one of their 5 priorities, and the assurance to address the health inequalities experienced by people with mental illness and people with learning disabilities, continued Professor Hollins.
“We know that people with learning disabilities die much younger than other people in society, often from treatable conditions. This is one important step in recognising and addressing what Mencap last year called 'institutional discrimination' in the NHS with respect to this group.
“We strongly agree that if services and health outcomes are improving for people with learning disabilities, then it is likely to be improving for other groups at risk of health inequalities. The physical health care needs of people with schizophrenia are far too often neglected
The government’s commitment to produce a new mental health and employment strategy is also welcomed. It is hoped that this will improve the support needed for people of working age suffering from mental health conditions, building on the existing ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ programme.
“This report points to the need for cross-government responses to deal with underlying inequalities in society. Child poverty is a key example of an area where effective cross-government is needed, and we consider that attending to the physical and mental health of mothers would deliver longer-term positive health outcomes,” concluded Professor Hollins.
For further information please contact Deborah Hart or Thomas Kennedy in the Communications and Policy Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 127 or 154
E-mail: dhart@rcpsych.ac.uk or tkennedy@rcpsych.ac.uk.
Thomas Kennedy
Communication Manager
Communications and Policy Department
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
T: +44 (0)20 7235 2351 Extension: 154
F: +44 (0)20 7235 1935
E: tkennedy@rcpsych.ac.uk
W: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk
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