McGimpsey gives his commitment to tackling health inequalities

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, today gave his commitment to tackling health inequalities.

The Minister was speaking in Parliament Buildings at the launch of the ‘Death by Postcode’ pamphlet, an account of the health inequalities in North and West Belfast.

The Minister, Michael McGimpsey said dealing with health inequalities was not just for the Government, but that it involved all of us working together to break the cycle of inequality.

He said: “While there have been significant advances in public health in recent years, with life expectancy rising overall, there is still a continuing health gap.

"People do not choose ill health. Many people die prematurely every year in Northern Ireland due to preventable illness, and this is particularly prevalent in deprived areas. It is an unfortunate fact that health and wellbeing is influenced by our social circumstances and environment.

"I believe that by bringing together expertise and working more closely in partnership with each other, we have a real opportunity to tackle major health challenges that affect our communities, like drug misuse, alcohol and obesity. The dedicated work of community and voluntary groups such as Farset, is vital in helping tackle these issues."

The Minister emphasised the need for coordinated collaborative working at all levels of society including with and within local communities. This is key, to improving health and tackling health inequalities.

He concluded: "I believe we have started out on this journey and we must continue to strengthen this partnership and tackle the problems of poverty, inequality and social exclusion which are responsible for inequalities in health."

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquires to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0567 or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

2. FARSET is a registered charity which operates as a social economy enterprise. It evolved from local communities in West and North Belfast striving to deal with the issues experienced in their daily lives.