Minister highlights key challenges of future public health

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey highlighted the key challenges to future public health in Northern Ireland at a conference in Armagh today.

The Investing for Health event emphasised the need for continued co-operation at regional and local level between communities, key statutory and voluntary groups.

Addressing the conference, the Minister said: “It is vitally important if we are to improve health and meet the challenges ahead, that we continue to work in partnership, combining our efforts on those issues and settings where we can make a real contribution.

“I am pleased that much work has been progressed at regional level which has the potential to impact positively on health. In addition the Department has been involved in developing a range of lifestyle strategies on issues including tobacco, drugs and alcohol and even teenage pregnancy,”

The Investing for Health (IfH) strategy is being implemented through a cross-departmental and multi-sectoral partnership tackling issues including poverty, education and skills development, as well as considering the conditions in which we live and work and the lifestyle choices we make.

Minister McGimpsey said: “There is a huge challenge for government and for all of society to work together if we want all of our citizens to experience the mood of optimism there is in Northern Ireland and be part of a vibrant, healthy and economically stable society.”

And outlinning his aims for the reform of health structures here, he added:

“My primary objective is to ensure that any reforms made, will lead to better outcomes for people in terms of health and social care.

“I want to give local representatives a stronger voice and I am also considering the potential for local government to play a greater part in the delivery of services in the health and social care system”.

Praising the progress that has been made in implementing Investing for Health to date, the Minister said: “The strategy has set in motion an impressive range of initiatives and action both at regional and, importantly, at local level, so that the priorities of local people are being addressed.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The ‘Investing for Health’ conference is taking place in Armagh City Hotel.
2. ‘Investing for Health’ is a public health strategy, which was published in March 2002.
3. It aims to shift the emphasis from the traditional focus on treatment of to the prevention of ill health. It sets out a cross-cutting agenda to tackle the wider factors which adversely affect health and perpetuate health inequalities.
4. Further information is available on the DHSSPS website www.dhsspsni.gov.uk and www.investingforhealthni.gov.uk.
5. The first IfH Conference was held in December 2003.
6. Media queries to: Richard Stewart, DHSSPS Information Office, Tel: 028 9052 0571. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.