Shining a spotlight on health inequalities scrutiny development areas

Last updated:25 March 2010

In January 2010, nine Scrutiny Development Areas (SDA) were recruited to the CfPS National Health Inequalities Scrutiny Programme.  Since being recruited, each area has met their advisor, and been busy scoping out their review.  Each SDA was chosen due to its unique approach to carrying out the review, and the learning that could be passed on to others through the development of the Scrutiny Resource Kit.  Each month we’ll update you on the general progress of the programme, and in addition provides highlights from a particular SDA.  This month the spotlight rests on Portsmouth.

Portsmouth – Alcohol Admissions to Hospital

The Portsmouth Health, Overview & Scrutiny Panel (HOSP) chose to examine the impact of hospital admissions that are due to alcohol related illnesses, accidents and crime.  Portsmouth Alcohol Misuse Needs Assessment (July 2009) highlighted that problems from heavy drinking occur more from lower social classes, and revealed that alcohol misuse affects all areas of society, regardless of age, gender and nationality. The review proposes to use a number of innovative approaches including 24 hour mapping of areas, attending neighbourhood forum meetings and understanding issues that affect hospital staff.

One of the inquiry methods used has involved councillors of the HOSP shadowing staff and volunteer groups at the front line of dealing with alcohol related incidents to see what problems they encounter.  The review will use this information to provide meaningful recommendations to make a real difference in reducing alcohol related hospital admissions.

If you would like more information on the programme please click here; or for any further information on the above, please contact Su.Turner@cfps.org.uk or call Su on 07795 294052.