Following agreement at November’s Health and Wellbeing Board, the Inequalities Plan has now been signed, further demonstrating the commitment to the plan by all partners. 
 

The Inequalities Plan was developed by senior leaders from Northumberland County Council, the NHS, voluntary and private sector including businesses, who worked together to ensure the whole system works collectively to tackle inequalities.  
 

The plan outlines key goals that can be delivered at scale over the coming years to level off and start to reduce the gap in healthy life expectancy.   

It commits to:   

Leader of Northumberland County Council, Glen Sanderson, said: “In the poorest parts of Northumberland, life expectancy is 12 years less than for people in wealthier areas and spending longer living in poor health.    
 

“Evidence tells us that health inequalities are largely preventable, and we are working hard to address issues around poverty. By working collaboratively with key stakeholders and our communities, we will be able to help people live long, healthier and happier lives. 
 

“Together with our partners, we commit to ensuring the Northumberland Inequalities Plan is embedded into our day-to-day work from corporate strategic planning to front line delivery.” 
 

Alistair Blair, Medical Director at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our Trust has made a real commitment to tackling health inequalities and has set up a programme board to address this key issue for our staff and patients. We recognise that we can do more for all the people we serve, which has inspired Our Community Promise and our work to support education, employment, the local economy and wider wellbeing. 
 

“However, we cannot do this alone and innovative, joined-up approaches across organisations, like this plan, has to be the way forward.”