Ulster Unionist Party Health Spokesperson John McCallister has stated that failing to tackle health inequalities would only serve to exacerbate an already unacceptable situation.

Mr McCallister was speaking afterthe Department of Health launched the public consultation on the new 10 year Public Health Framework. 

The South Down representative said;

Whilst the overall health ofpeople living in Northern Ireland has increased significantly over recent years, unfortunately there are still some areas of where the average life expectancy can vary immensely.

People who come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds are much more likely to die from heart and respiratory disease. Far too many of these deaths occur before the age of 65 and most are entirely preventable with only a few lifestyle changes.

Smoking, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption and little physical activity all greatly contribute to this inequality and that it why it is crucial that Government Departments and statutory agencies work together to ensure that an effective strategy, with strong targets but reasonable expectations, is implemented. Only with close cooperation across all communities, and the appropriate focus on early years, will the Fit and Well Strategy succeed.  

The Ulster Unionist Party delivered the creation of the Public Health Agency, and despite proposals inthe DUP’s 2011 election manifesto, we will firmly oppose any measure to dissolve it. In the few short years since its creation the PHA has been highly successful with working directly with communities in order to help them improve their health and lifestyle choices. 

Northern Ireland’s health system is already under immense pressure from rising demand but diminishing resources, therefore the fact that too many people are in hospital for preventable conditions is something that must urgently be addressed.