Karin Orman, Director of Practice and Innovation, commenting on the Department of Health’s Health Inequalities Annual Report in Northern Ireland said:
'The Health Inequalities Report published this morning shows that while there have been improvements in healthcare in Northern Ireland, there is still a lot of work to do.
'The Report found that alcohol and drug related indicators continue to show some of the largest health inequalities monitored in the region, with rates in the most deprived areas over four and a half times that in the least deprived for drug related mortality and four times that for alcohol specific mortality. This is a shocking statistic and an area that must be made a priority for the next Assembly mandate.
'Alcohol, drugs, self-harm, smoking during pregnancy and teenage births were among the five largest inequality gaps for the majority of Trusts and Local Government Districts. Trusts and Councils in Northern Ireland should see this report as a valuable tool for understanding what areas need additional support and services for people in the area.
'Deaths due to COVID-19 in the most deprived areas were 25% higher than in the least deprived areas, while the rate of respiratory mortality among under 75s in the most deprived areas was over three and a half times that seen in the least deprived. The transformation of the health service in Northern Ireland must be the top priority for the new elected representatives and addressing health inequalities must be at the core of this.
'People across Northern Ireland need adequate access to support and services that will enhance their health and wellbeing. We know the value occupational therapy can bring to people’s lives, given the breadth of our knowledge and expertise, and we must be involved in future planning to help improve health and wellbeing and reduce the inequality gap.”
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