Wales Chief Medical Officer raises concern over health gaps

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, has released a report calling for more to be done to tackle the health gaps between the richest and poorest areas.

In his first annual report, Atherton examined how smoking and poor health are seen in higher rates among poorer groups of people, who also experience higher levels of illness and early death.

The report suggests that public services should work together to target people who are disadvantaged, to reduce the effect of health inequalities, and should work more closely with communities to reach those at greatest risk.

Atherton said: “Life expectancy in Wales is improving. Cancer survival rates are improving year on year and fewer people are dying of cardiovascular disease. We have seen smoking and drinking rates decline sharply amongst teenagers in recent years.

“However, our social circumstances and environmental factors are a significant influence on our health. So improving the health of the nation and reducing health inequalities means we must look at these wider influences.

“It should never be the case that those who have the most advantages in society get the best access to services - everyone deserves an equal chance at the best possible life.”

Professor Chris Jones, deputy chief medical officer, commented: “It is vital that we concentrate our efforts where we can help people the most and we are increasingly seeing the NHS and other services respond to this need. Health professionals alone cannot tackle poor health; our report explains how services in Wales must take a more co-ordinated approach.”