Health Inequalities Phase Three
In 2012, CfPS launched ‘Tipping the scales’ a new model of scrutiny that captured the impact and potential return on investment that a review and its recommendations could make. This was phase two of the health inequalities programme, which built on the success of phase one which saw learning published in 'Peeling the Onion.'
'Tipping the Scales' was endorsed by Professor Michael Marmot at CfPS’ 2012 Annual Conference, and this new model has generated a great deal of interest from across the public and private sectors. It is seen as a simple but effective way of quantifying impacts and strengthening the role of scrutiny in tackling health inequalities.
Funding has been received from the Inclusion Health programme at the Department of Health to use scrutiny to investigate the health outcomes and inequalities of 3 vulnerable groups (a total of six new development areas):
- Homeless and rough sleepers (Adur and Worthing and Warrington)
- Gypsies and travellers (Southwark and South Somerset)
- Sex workers (Newham and Westminster)
Inclusion Health seeks to drive improvements, mainly through system reform and clinical leadership, to ensure everyone gets the care they need, regardless of their needs or circumstances. It also strives to ensure policies and programmes across health and the wider determinants of health consider the needs of those with multiple problems, resulting in equitable access to quality care for all.
A new publication, 'Valuing inclusion - demonstrating the impact council scrutiny can have on tackling inequalities' has been published which shares the learning from this inclusion health programme, which formed phase three of the health inequalities programme.This publication focuses on
o How to secure better and effective engagement.
o Getting the calculation right.
o Scrutiny working with vulnerable communities - the challenges faced by areas and how they overcame them