Promoting health equalities
The health inequalities strategy for West Sussex
Partners in West Sussex have recently endorsed the first countywide partnership health inequalities strategy, called Promoting Action on Health Inequalities – Working together to improve quality of life in West Sussex 2012-17.
The strategy executive summary is available for download on the right-hand side of the page.
Background to the strategy
The health inequalities strategy was been produced as a result of the Audit Commission’s recommendation to develop a strategic framework for action to reduce inequalities in West Sussex.
This process has been led locally by the West Sussex Inequalities Network, and includes representatives from district and borough councils, West Sussex County Council and NHS West Sussex.
Numerous other partners and partnerships were involved in developing the strategy and a wide engagement process took place between April and July 2010. Details of the feedback received are available for download using the links on the right-hand side of the page.
What is the strategy about?
The strategy describes the context of health inequalities, nationally and locally.
It sets out the current and future action and approaches that will be taken to ensure that health inequalities are addressed in the long term. It details the strategic approach to be taken in the following areas:
- Universal and ‘mainstream’ services
- Areas of urban disadvantage
- People in rural areas experiencing disadvantage
- Specific vulnerable groups
- Aiming for equity through organisational policies and service design.
The strategy is intended to provide individual organisations in West Sussex with information to enable them to better understand their contribution to reducing health inequalities. It is intended that the strategy clearly links to other relevant plans, groups and initiatives/priorities, and uses robust data and knowledge, including the joint strategic needs assessment and information gained from partnership working.
Local action plans to support the strategy have been developed by Local Strategic Partnerships and/or Health & Wellbeing Partnerships in each district and borough council area. These are also available for download on the right-hand side of this page.
Contact details
To find out more about delivery of the strategy email: ws-pct.wellbeing@nhs.net or telephone the Health Inequalities and Partnerships team at the Public Health department, NHS Sussex on: 01243 815113.
