BELFAST, July 10 – The stark health disparity between rich and poor in Northern Ireland has been termed “unacceptable” by Mike Nesbitt, who announced a series of initiatives aimed at addressing this critical issue over the next six months.
“How can it ever be acceptable that women in our most deprived communities can expect to live 14 fewer years in good health than those in the least deprived communities? This is not acceptable in a first-world country,” Nesbitt stated emphatically.
Nesbitt introduced the “Live Better” pilot program, set to begin in two specific locations with a limited budget. “There are a lot of services already existing; we’re going to repackage them and take services to the community,” he explained. This initiative will include screening, vaccination, and mental health support among other services, targeting those in dire need.
Speaking to BBC News NI, Nesbitt emphasized the need to test this approach to “prove that it makes a positive difference to people’s lives.” Once validated, the plan is to expand the program across Northern Ireland. “We have to tackle socio-economic issues, environmental issues, and encourage healthier lifestyles,” he added.
Health inequalities are costly, with estimates suggesting they cost Northern Ireland up to £1.7 billion annually, factoring in health costs, lost productivity, economic inactivity, and poor educational outcomes, according to the Department of Health.
Nesbitt stressed the importance of a cautious rollout, citing limited resources. “It would be irresponsible to spread it out broadly without proof of results,” he said, noting the plan’s three-year timeline for full implementation. He acknowledged the urgency felt by many, especially cancer patients, but assured that efforts are ongoing.
Ann-Marie Ferguson, director of care services at Ardmonagh Family and Community Group in west Belfast, highlighted the shocking levels of deprivation she encountered. “The inequality here is prevalent. It’s quite sad to see; nobody lifts their heads anymore,” she noted, stressing the need for better communication within the health service.
Gemma McKeron, a support worker at the center, shared their proactive approach. “We’ve hosted clinics for Covid jabs, wellness, and menopause, so people in the local area aren’t at a disadvantage,” she said.
Professor Rafael Bengoa is set to return to Northern Ireland to help “reboot the public debate on health reform.” Bengoa chaired the panel that produced the influential 2016 “Systems not Structures” report, which recommended sweeping changes to health and social care.
Nesbitt expressed confidence in Bengoa’s ability to revitalize the conversation. “Unfortunately, the debate has become distorted, with reform too often misconstrued as cost-cutting or hospital closures,” he lamented.
Over the next six months, Nesbitt plans to announce a review of hospital reconfiguration, detailing how hospitals across Northern Ireland will be reorganized. This includes the publication of “Towards a Hospital Network,” which will outline the future of hospital services.
A three-year strategic plan for health and social care will also be published, covering the remainder of the current assembly mandate. This follows the 2016 Bengoa Report, which was initially stymied by the collapse of the executive in 2017, preventing full implementation of the proposed 10-year plan, “Delivering Together.”
The new initiatives, driven by Nesbitt’s commitment to addressing health disparities, aim to create a more equitable health system in Northern Ireland. By focusing on targeted, evidence-based interventions, there is hope for significant improvements in health outcomes for the most deprived communities.
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