Ethnic disparities in health and health care: a focused review of the evidence and selected examples of good practice. Full report

This report arises from a project commissioned by the Department of Health's Equality and Human Rights Group to produce an evidence-based review with a national perspective that addresses (i) ethnic differentials in health and healthcare and (ii) evidence of effective NHS and other action, including seective examples of good practice to illustrate each area. Rather than aiming for comprehensive coverage, the Department suggested a document that focuses on selective topics and population health priorities drawn from the NHS plan, existing and developing National Service Frameworks, and other policy documents and which, collectively, are encompassed in the NHS's 10-point Race Equality Action Plan. The authors were not asked to review the evidence on other key areas (such ashypertension, stroke, disability, etc.), ethnic disparities in the wider determinants of health, and on some specific groups such as Gypsy Travellers and refugees and asylum seekers. Some of these topics are covered in other reviews.

Ethnic disparities in health and health care: a focused review of the evidence and selected examples of good practice. Executive summary

This report arises from a project commissioned by the Department of Health's Equality and Human Rights Group to produce an evidence-based review with a national perspective that addresses (i) ethnic differentials in health and healthcare and (ii) evidence of effective NHS and other action, including seective examples of good practice to illustrate each area. Rather than aiming for comprehensive coverage, the Department suggested a document that focuses on selective topics and population health priorities drawn from the NHS plan, existing and developing National Service Frameworks, and other policy documents and which, collectively, are encompassed in the NHS's 10-point Race Equality Action Plan. The authors were not asked to review the evidence on other key areas (such ashypertension, stroke, disability, etc.), ethnic disparities in the wider determinants of health, and on some specific groups such as Gypsy Travellers and refugees and asylum seekers. Some of these topics are covered in other reviews.

Learning Disabilities and Health

This factsheet on learning disability has been compiled by the Department of Health South East. It highlights the health inequalities experienced by those with learning disabilities and summarises the main health-related issues. It details key publications such as 'Valuing People Now', which was launched in Jan-09, and provides information about strategies, resources and national drivers including Local Area Agreements. It can serve as a useful tool for PCTs, commissioners, those involved in service development, and those with a public health remit in order to improve practice and health outcomes among those with learning disability at both local and regional levels. For further information contact: Jonathan Campion (jonathan.campion@dh.gsi.gov.uk) or Jo Nurse (jo.nurse@dh.gsi.gov.uk)

Annual Update on Fuel Poverty and Health (2008)

This paper provides an update on the All-Ireland Policy Paper on Fuel Poverty and Health published by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) in December 2007.Economic downturn and fluctuating fuel prices mean that for many people the challenge of fuel poverty is becoming even more immediate. Alleviating financial strain and protecting the health and social well-being of fuel-poor householders must remain a priority across government. A substantial body of research links fuel poverty to physical and mental ill-health. Older people in particular are at an increased risk of suffering from heart disease, stroke and respiratory conditions in the winter months. Research published in Northern Ireland this year has also highlighted the impact of fuel poverty on children’s health and well-being.  

Climate Change and Health: A platform for action

This paper provides an introduction to the links between climate change and health and aims to inform policy-makers, politicians and the public of the benefits for health from reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)* emissions from food production, transport, energy, and waste. It also highlights the importance of action by the health sector.It presents a platform for action which demonstrates that creating healthy sustainable places and communities can go hand in hand with reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

Response to Northern Ireland Housing Executive Review of Housing and Health

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), Review of Housing and Health – Towards a Shared Agenda policy.   The Institute aims to improve health in Ireland, North and South by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policies in favour of health. The Institute recognises the potential health impacts linked with housing and welcome the proactive approach NIHE is adopting. By identifying the wider determinants of health, the NIHE acknowledges that as a statutory organization they have a major role to play in contributing to improved health for Northern Ireland.   There are many causal pathways linking housing to health and due to the nature of social housing, a number of vulnerable groups, for example those on a low income or the Travelling Community are subject to NIHE policies.  Overall the policy outlines a number of key recommendations.  The Institute advise that the Implementation Plan which will incorporate the recommendations should outline targets which can be measurable, for example, under Objective 1 which identifies the reduction of fuel poverty.  We recommend that key targets are outlined to show what action the NIHE has set in accordance to measure a reduction in fuel poverty.

Review of the Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting Workforce (PDF 290 KB)

Final Report - September 2005

Valuing Diversity ... A Way Forward A Strategy For Nursing And Health Visiting 1998 (PDF 8.3 Mb)

Valuing Diversity ... A Way Forward A Strategy For Nursing And Health Visiting 1998

Health and Health Service Use in Northern Ireland

Social Variations

A Strategy for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting in NI (PDF 180KB)

This study was designed to examine critically the impact of a government-led policy document upon community nursing, midwifery and health visiting practice in Northern Ireland (Strategy for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting in Northern Ireland. Action Plan for Community Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors, Working Together: A Focus on Health and Social Well-being, DHSS, 1996). The total number of participants was (n=409) and the eleven Health and Personal Social Services Trusts in NI were represented in the sample group which consisted of 93% females and 7% males. A questionnaire containing twenty items was designed and a pilot study was carried out with twenty-five community practitioners. Following the pilot study appropriate modifications were made to the questionnaire. åÊ

New Local Body Arrangements for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors (PDF 44KB)

This paper proposes the creation of a new local body to support the initial and ongoing education, practice and performance of Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors with the primary purpose of enhancing public protection. åÊ

The Contribution of Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors (PDF 89KB)

To Commissioning Health and Social Care

Women, Disadvantage And Health

Women, Disadvantage And Health The Womenâ?Ts Health Council is a statutory body established in 1997 to advise the Minister for Health and Children on all aspects of womenâ?Ts health. Following a recommendation in the Report of the Second Commission on the Status of Women (1993), the national Plan for Womenâ?Ts Health 1997-1999 was published in 1997. Click here to download PDF 2.6mb This is a publication of the Women’s Health Council

Women, Disadvantage And Health

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Violence Against Women and Health

Violence Against Women and Health The problem of Violence Against Women (VAW) continues to plague our society causing appalling damage to the lives of thousands of women and children. The immense negative repercussions of being exposed to physical, sexual, or psychological abuse have been well documented worldwide, and are well accepted by both professionals working in this field and society at large. Significant government funding has been directed to this area in order to provide support to women who experience abuse. However, rates of violence remain unacceptably high and services are still inadequate given the magnitude and the complexity of the problem. Click here to download PDF 478kb