Mixed health in south-east needs addressing

The mixed picture of health in the south-east of the country is an issue that needs to be addressed, it has been claimed.

In a report of the region’s regional directors of public health, it was suggested that inequalities in this sector must be an ongoing priority for the government.

Professor Yvonne Doyle said the current financial climate must not exacerbate the south-east’s situation, where conditions range from “pockets of real deprivation” to “areas of very good health”.

However, the report also stated a number of the region’s achievements since the publication of 2008’s South East England Health Strategy.

It said smoking levels had decreased and 97 per cent of schools were now participants in the Healthy Schools scheme.

In addition, February of this year saw a proposal favoured to increase fluoride levels in Southampton and south-west Hampshire’s water. This is aimed at bettering the dental health of children locally.

The news comes as the NHS brings in a number of measures intended to help raise service and standard quality throughout the country.

From April 1st, patient feedback on operations and the beginning of the social care complaints system were put into effect.