§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to narrow the health gap between rich and poor areas. [136696]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 6 November 2000]: The National Health Service Plan announced a stronger role in prevention for the NHS working in partnership with others. By 2003 reducing inequalities will be a key criterion for allocating NHS resources. For the first time ever we will create national health inequalities targets to narrow the health gap in childhood and throughout life between socio-economic groups and between the most deprived areas and the rest of the country. Specific targets will be developed in consultation with external 175W stakeholders and expert advice, as the new national statistics classification becomes available early in 2001. A copy of the NHS Plan has been placed in the Library.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to reduce health inequalities(a) nationally and (b) in Coventry, South. [136695]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 6 November 2000]: Prevention was identified as one of the five challenges in the National Health Service Plan that needed to be addressed. In addition, it announced a stronger role in prevention for the NHS working in partnership with others. By 2003, reducing inequalities will be a key criterion for allocating NHS resources. For the first time ever we will create national health inequalities targets to narrow the health gap in childhood and throughout life between socio-economic groups and between the most deprived areas and the rest of the country.
Coventry Health Authority's Health Improvement Programme for 2000–03 identified tackling health inequalities as a key priority and has designated six areas of the city as health action areas. These areas, including three in Coventry, South, have the greatest level of deprivation and health need. Health professionals are working with local people and partner organisations to develop health action and service plans.
The National Health Service will respond to different needs of different populations. Efforts will continually be made to reduce unjustified variations and raise standards to achieve a truly National Health Service.