Health Minister launches new Health Development Unit in Belfast

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has said that partnership working is vital to promote the health and wellbeing of local communities.

The Minister was speaking as he launched a new Health Development Unit in Belfast. The Belfast Health Development Unit, which has been set up as a partnership between Belfast City Council, the Public Health Agency and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, will help drive forward health improvements and tackle health inequalities in Belfast.

The first of a range of joint working initiatives being established throughout Northern Ireland, the unit will focus on priority groups, including older people and children and young people, taking a strategic approach to tackling issues such as obesity and alcohol misuse.

Speaking at the launch in Belfast City Hall, Michael McGimpsey said: “There have been significant advances in public health in recent years, with life expectancy rising overall. However, there is still a continuing health gap.

“Let’s be clear – 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 am committed to tackling health inequalities across our communities.”

The Minister said that strengthening inter-sectoral working, particularly between the health and social care sector and local government, is one of his key objectives.

He said: “As part of the reforms of health and social care, I wanted to strengthen partnership working between the HSC and local government to deliver real change in health and wellbeing in communities across Northern Ireland. That is what this initiative is all about.”

The Minister concluded: “I firmly believe that, by bringing together expertise and working more closely in partnership with each other, we have a real opportunity to tackle the major public health challenges that affect our communities, such as rising obesity and alcohol and drug misuse.”

Chief Executive, Dr Eddie Rooney said: “As a result of efforts from all the partners, excellent progress has meant that virtually all Council areas have agreed to new joint working with the PHA. The launch of the Belfast Health Development Unit is the first practical manifestation of the joint working programme.

“It is also encouraging that in several other areas, Councils are at an advanced stage in planning with us to proceed with similar initiatives. Our common goal is to close the gap in health and wellbeing between communities across Northern Ireland, giving individuals improved and longer lives. Much has been achieved – but we can do more.

“By 2011, for the first time through the work of the new Unit, there will be a single Health and Wellbeing Plan for Belfast. The vision is for ‘a good life in a fair City’ for all the people of Belfast.”

Lord Mayor, Councillor Naomi Long added: “The joint Belfast Unit represents a new approach to improve health and wellbeing for all, no matter which part of the city we come from or what our background or ethnic origin might be. It is about enabling us all to live better and healthier lives and ensuring that those who live in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods no longer have to suffer from significantly worse health than others. All children born in Belfast, or indeed other areas of Northern Ireland, should have the same chances of leading a fulfilled, long and healthy life – that is what the new Unit will strive for.

“Good health is not just about our physical well-being, it is influenced by our environment, housing, education and employment opportunities; therefore it is essential that agencies work together to try to tackle inequality and the kind of ‘postcode lottery’ that can exist when it comes to equal opportunity. We need to focus on prevention rather than cure, reducing the strain on the health service.

“This will take a radical approach, breaking down barriers between agencies, pooling resources, planning and delivering together in a way that avoids duplication and working with communities at grass roots level. The new Unit, sponsored by three key organisations, will help us to realise these goals and I’m delighted that Belfast City Council is part of this new approach.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Belfast Health Development Unit will be based at 9 Lanyon Place, Belfast.
2. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.