Dudley Strategy for Tackling Health Inequalities 2010-15

Next Generation Local Area Agreement„Dudley‟s Next Generation Local Area Agreement 2008/11 (Dudley CommunityPartnership, 2008) focuses on creating a vibrant and sustainable economy andreducing inequalities. This vision is intended to support the much broader vision ofthe Community Strategy by recognising that a strong economy is key to deliveringstronger communities. The commitment to tackling inequality, vulnerability anddifferences in opportunities is viewed as a cross cutting theme across all fourpriorities – wealthy communities; healthy communities; environmentally-awarecommunities and safe and cohesive communities.Key partners were involved throughout the process of identifying these priorities, andthe partnership agreed a range of criteria to assist in the process, which included anassessment of whether or not the priority in question would contribute to narrowingthe gap.A structural review of the partnership has resulted in Task and Finish Groups being„charged‟ with the responsibility of delivering agreed outcomes and taking ownershipof agreed indicators. This approach will ensure that the expertise and knowledge of acore group of partners, who are already involved in the Thematic Partnerships,remains central to the work, but will also enable broader involvement of otherpartners.‟ (Next Generation LAA 2008 -11, 4 th Submission, Dudley CommunityPartnership May 2008)Strong leadership and a strategic partnership with agreed priorities andresponsibilities needs to be underpinned by partnerships which are effective formiddle management and frontline staff.In Dudley, work to address health inequalities is further supported by:A strong and well organised voluntary, community and faith sector.A Director of Public Health (DPH), who has been jointly appointed by NHSDudley and the Local Authority. The DPH is a member of the CouncilCorporate Board and has access to the council cabinet. Regular board-toboardmeetings take place between NHS Dudley and the Local Authority andthe DPH provides a strong lead on health inequalities.Strong relationships between commissioners in NHS Dudley and the LocalAuthority, and also with providers.A number of joint appointments and secondments between NHS Dudley andthe Local Authority.Strong commitment within the Council Plan and NHS Dudley‟s strategic planto address health inequalities.53