Dudley Strategy for Tackling Health Inequalities 2010-15

ConclusionsThe Dudley tobacco control programme has been shown to be effective incontributing to reducing overall smoking prevalence through delivering an evidencedbased multi strand approach. However it could go further to reduce smokingprevalence in the most deprived areas and amongst pregnant women.In summary:Smoking prevalence is declining nationally and locally. However there stillremains approximately double the number of smokers in the more deprivedareas than the least deprived nationally and in DudleySmoking in pregnancy prevalence is declining nationally, although the data isthought to be an underestimate. In Dudley prevalence has risen in the lastyear and concerns have been raised about the data collection process.DSSS is successfully targeting smokers from deprived areas to accessservices but fewer remain stopped than in the least deprived areas.The Dudley smoking and pregnancy service is highly recognised for deliveringan excellent service but local prevalence data does not correlate with this.Dudley has a range of wider tobacco control programme areas that areessential in providing a comprehensive approach to raising the issue oftobacco in a variety of settings and to drive smokers to stop smoking services.Dudley plays a key role in the Black Country Tobacco Control Alliance(BCTCA). Joint project work is focussing on dealing with illicit tobacco.Scoping work has been carried out with workplaces and retailer visits werecarried out across all four boroughs.Dudley‟s Smokefree Homes programme is developing to include early yearsand primary school workstreams.The schools and youth tobacco education programme will focus on using artsfor health as a medium to get key messages across to young people. Youngpeople are at the centre of how this work will develop.RecommendationsThe NST identified a number of priority areas for action an action plan has beendeveloped to be included ensure that they will form part of the tobacco controlprogramme. The recommendations have been outlined in conjunction with currentlocal action and priorities:Strategic approach to Tobacco Control is best co-ordinated by an effective multiagencypartnership:- Continued strong senior level support and leadership for the tobacco controlagenda- Review role of Tobacco Action Group (TAG)- TAG continued accountability to Dudley Community Partnership via theHealth and Wellbeing Partnership Board- Refresh the Tobacco Strategy and action plan in line with the new NationalStrategy- Development of advocacy role of the Alliance around SHS and illicit tobaccoFurther develop an evidenced based and proactive approach to illicit tobacco- Plan local priorities102