RCN responds to health inequalities report

Published: 11 February 2010

EMBARGOED until: 00:01 Thursday 11th February 2010

Responding to the publication today of the Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England post-2010, Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“While a great effort has clearly been made to reduce inequalities, as a nation we simply must not tolerate the difference in life expectancy shown in this report, or the many years spent in preventable poor health. Of course individuals need to make healthy choices for themselves, but to tackle this inequality government, public services and communities need to work together.

“The report reiterates that early interventions can be effective in tackling health inequalities which will otherwise become entrenched in later life. To avoid missing the window of opportunity in a child’s early years, midwifery, health visiting, school and community nursing are vital and need significant and consistent investment. When it comes to the health of the next generation, nurses across the health service know that prevention will be far better, and cheaper, than the cure.”

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Notes to Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses, healthcare assistants and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.