Report outlines the effects of Covid on health inequalities

17 Dec 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

During this, the fourth and largest wave of COVID-19 cases in Northumberland, the effects of Covid on health inequalities are highlighted in the 2020 Director of Public Health Annual Report.    

Each year Directors of Public Health are statutorily required to produce an annual independent report on the health of their population and recommend actions to improve health and reduce inequalities.   

Liz Morgan, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council, says: “The past 18 months have seen every aspect of society challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic bringing far reaching and dramatic consequences to our lives, our communities and our health and wellbeing. It has shone a light on the inequalities that already existed in our communities.   

“Our health, and the way Covid has affected us, is driven by the way we live our lives and the social circumstances in which we’re born, grow and work.  By looking at this bigger picture we can make changes to support our residents to live long and healthy lives”. 

Key recommendations in the report include: 

ACOVID Inequalities Impact Assessment is carried out which informs our future budget and planning cycle.   

A health inequality impact assessment approach is developed to complement our Equality Impact and Carbon Reduction assessment processes 

As a local authority ensure that residents continue to be at the heard of our decisions making and help us to design initiatives and services that better meets their needs and aspirations.    

Build a more inclusive local economy and contribute to our target for carbon net zero 

Northumberland County Councillor, Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for adult wellbeing said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has touched the lives of each and every one of us. We all know people that have been affected by the virus, whether this be physically, mentally or even financially. And sadly, some have even lost loved ones.  

“It is important for us to understand how the conditions in which we live and work can affect our experiences of Covid and identify what more we can do to improve health and reduce inequalities, so that we emerge from this pandemic being more resilient.  

“Over recent months have learned to adapt to these challenges, doing all we can to keep our communities safe and well. Covid is still with us, and we all have a part to play in the battle against the virus.” 

This year’s report has been produced in a video format and can be viewed here: https://nland.uk/DPHreport 

 

 

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