Partnerships at work – improving the health of BME communities
Jazz Bhogal Regional Public Health Team - London Department of Health Presentation at Health of Black and Ethnic Minority Communities
Introduction - Ethnic health & health inequalities
Background to partnerships for health
New partnership arrangements for public services
Impact on ethnic health
Regional & local potential for ethnic health in London
Ethnic health & health inequalities
Disproportionate rate of mortality & morbidity amongst certain ethnic groups
Non-homogenious communities
Multi-layered inequalities - multiple deprivation + discrimination
“Institutional racism knew no bounds… still doesn’t”
Public services & level of priority
Influencing action - Legislative imperative ‘v’ needs based action
Background – national perspective
Concern about health inequalities…
- The Black Report 1980
- The Acheson Inquiry 1998
- The Wanless Reports; 2002, 2003, 2004
- Comprehensive Spending Reviews; 2000, 2004, 2007
- Action on health inequalities…
- Neighbourhood Renewal Unit
- Tackling Health Inequalities: A programme for action
- Spearhead group of authorities
- Local Area Agreements
National evidence and research well supported, but poor implementation
Background – local perspective
- Local community action and involvement
- Role of the 3rd sector & BME CVS
- Engaging in local partnerships
- Increasing political engagement
- Priority status of ethnic health is variable and underestimated
- Poor evidence to support action at a local level
New requirements for partnerships
“Strong & Prosperous Communities”
New Local Area Agreements
Duty to work in partnership- Shift from national to local emphasis
“Local Government & Health Bill” Duty of partnership between Local Authorities & PCTs Focus on local health & well-being needs
Local accountability ‘v’ delivery within a national context
- “Choosing Health” – “Health Challenge England”
- “Our Health, Our Care, Our Say” – “Health & Well-being Commissioning Framework”
Opportunities for health improvement - LONDON
- Focusing national delivery targets on BME communities
- Focusing on deprived wards/priority boroughs = focus on BME communities
- London’s public service priorities; TB, HIV & sexual health, mental health, school exclusions, community cohesion, 2012.
- GLA & Mayor of London – Mayor’s Commissions, Mayoral Strategies & Assembly’s Scrutiny role.
- Changing culture and interest from public services.
Opportunities for health improvement - LOCAL
- New local arrangements and statutory duties for partnership
- Re-prioritisation of local needs against national priorities
- Delivery focus on those most in need
- Increase in BME civic involvement
- Increased local accountability
- New expectations for the 3rd sector
Partnerships at work…
Health inequalities gap is closing in London... but only just
Every LAA in London includes outcomes for BME communities (most for health)
All public service priorities in London have potential for a positive impact on BME health
Jazz Bhogal Public Health Manager Regional Public Health Team, London Department of Health jazz.bhogal@dh.gsi.gov.uk Tel: 020 7217 3729