Millions pledged for areas with poor health

A 13.5 million pounds package has been unveiled by Health Minister Dawn Primarolo, in an attempt to improve health in disadvantaged areas.

Of the fund, 11 million pounds is pledged towards the Communities for Health scheme, which is set to enable 83 areas to implement local initiatives, such as parenting and community activities, as well as the promotion of a good diet.

Projects in the strategy include partnerships in Barnsley, Brighton and Hove and Knowsley near Liverpool.

Speaking at the Improvement and Development Agency conference in London, Ms Primarolo said poor health intensifies in deprived areas, which has “serious effects” on the lives of people.

She added: “Only last week, the Department of Health launched its Change4Life movement, including support for corner shops to stock fresh healthy food.

“Today’s announcement injects more cash to the front line where it’s needed,” she continued.

The initiative will also see 2.5 million pounds pledged towards Healthy Communities, meaning local government will receive help to tackle health inequalities locally.

In other news, quarterly statistics were recently released by the Department of Health.

The figures found across all Accident and Emergency types, 98.6 per cent of patients spent four hours or less from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge, which compares to 98.3 per cent in the previous quarter.