§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what strategies his Department is undertaking to tackle health inequalities in Coventry.[39785]
§ Ms JowellTackling inequalities is a central plank in both "Our Healthier Nation" and "The New NHS". Consultation on "Our Healthier Nation" concludes on 30 April, and a White Paper setting out the Government's strategy for promoting health and tackling inequalities will be published in the autumn.
New statutory duties of partnership will ensure that all parts of the National Health Service as well as local authorities work together to tackle health inequalities.
At the local level, Coventry Health Authority has decided upon a pattern of action, published in their paper of January 1998 "Combating Inequalities and Developing Health". This is a policy framework for combating inequalities in health in Coventry through partnership and effective development of joint action locally.