30 April 2004
Health Secretary John Reid has challenged public bodies to play a bigger part in eradicating health inequalities across Britain, arguing that good practice is not solely the responsibility of the state.
He also said it was high time individuals took more responsibility for their own health, providing that public bodies have given them clear advice.
However, it was Reid's approach to the 'supply side' of health provision – engaging the entire public sector, including bodies with only marginal health responsibilities – that characterised his speech to a conference in London on April 28.
Launching a consultation paper on attacking historical inequalities, he pointed out that a boy born in inner-city Manchester is likely to die on average 8.5 years earlier than one born in Dorset.
'We need to look at ways of raising opportunities for individuals to help themselves. This is not as simple as saying the government and the state can do and should do everything. [Radical reform] is not achieved through patronising puritanism.
'Health inequalities are a complex problem and engagement across government, the whole of the NHS, local authorities, voluntary and community bodies is crucial.'
PFapr2004
