Menu
27/03/2002
Minister unveils 10-year plan to improve our health
The Minister for Health Bairbre de Brún has launched a new vision to improve the health and well being of Northern Ireland’s population.
The ‘Investing for Health’ 10-year strategy was launched by the minister at Springvale Training Ltd in Belfast on Wednesday March 27 and is the result of a major cross-departmental collaboration.
The minister explained that she believed the strategy provided a real opportunity to improve the health of all and particularly the most disadvantaged that suffer the worst health.
“Until now, health policy has tended to concentrate on the treatment of ill health,” Ms de Brún said.
“This strategy aims to turn this situation around by focussing on the prevention of ill health. It seeks to tackle the factors which cause poor health within our social, economic, physical and cultural environment – for example, ensuring we can live in a safe and healthy environment with a good standard of housing, having educational opportunities and the opportunity to gain the skills to work. It’s also about enjoying self-esteem and having the support of strong local communities and being able to make healthy choices about how we live.”
The strategy contains a common set of improvements for Departments, the statutory, voluntary and community sectors to work towards. It contains two goals and seven objectives, which have been selected to reflect the crosscutting nature of 'Investing for Health' and outlines the specific actions Government Departments will take to contribute to the achievement of the strategy.
Mr Denis Haughey Junior Minister in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister said: “The Executive’s Programme for Government recognises that poverty has, for too long, blighted the lives of individuals and whole communities. It points up the link between poverty and poorer health; lower life expectancy; poorer educational attainment; and greater difficulty getting jobs and accessing services. It also commits us, as an Administration, to taking action to tackle social need and social exclusion.
“The development of ‘Investing for Health’ demonstrates this commitment. Within the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, we are committed to playing our part in the development of the strategy. It is important therefore that we all work together to ensure an effective investment in health and to reap the rewards from this investment.” (AMcE)
The ‘Investing for Health’ 10-year strategy was launched by the minister at Springvale Training Ltd in Belfast on Wednesday March 27 and is the result of a major cross-departmental collaboration.
The minister explained that she believed the strategy provided a real opportunity to improve the health of all and particularly the most disadvantaged that suffer the worst health.
“Until now, health policy has tended to concentrate on the treatment of ill health,” Ms de Brún said.
“This strategy aims to turn this situation around by focussing on the prevention of ill health. It seeks to tackle the factors which cause poor health within our social, economic, physical and cultural environment – for example, ensuring we can live in a safe and healthy environment with a good standard of housing, having educational opportunities and the opportunity to gain the skills to work. It’s also about enjoying self-esteem and having the support of strong local communities and being able to make healthy choices about how we live.”
The strategy contains a common set of improvements for Departments, the statutory, voluntary and community sectors to work towards. It contains two goals and seven objectives, which have been selected to reflect the crosscutting nature of 'Investing for Health' and outlines the specific actions Government Departments will take to contribute to the achievement of the strategy.
Mr Denis Haughey Junior Minister in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister said: “The Executive’s Programme for Government recognises that poverty has, for too long, blighted the lives of individuals and whole communities. It points up the link between poverty and poorer health; lower life expectancy; poorer educational attainment; and greater difficulty getting jobs and accessing services. It also commits us, as an Administration, to taking action to tackle social need and social exclusion.
“The development of ‘Investing for Health’ demonstrates this commitment. Within the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, we are committed to playing our part in the development of the strategy. It is important therefore that we all work together to ensure an effective investment in health and to reap the rewards from this investment.” (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
12 May 2023
Access To Dental Care Is At Risk Of Becoming A Luxury – Alliance
Access to dental care is at risk of becoming a luxury for most people in Northern Ireland, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said. Ms Bradshaw said that a failure to address issues impacting health service dentistry will only add to pressures on the Health Service in future.
Access To Dental Care Is At Risk Of Becoming A Luxury – Alliance
Access to dental care is at risk of becoming a luxury for most people in Northern Ireland, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said. Ms Bradshaw said that a failure to address issues impacting health service dentistry will only add to pressures on the Health Service in future.
01 December 2022
Mental Health Crisis 'Impossible To Tackle' Without Stormont – SDLP
The mental health crisis in Northern Ireland will become "impossible to tackle" without Stormont functioning, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said an Assembly and Executive was needed to fund a robust mental health strategy.
Mental Health Crisis 'Impossible To Tackle' Without Stormont – SDLP
The mental health crisis in Northern Ireland will become "impossible to tackle" without Stormont functioning, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said an Assembly and Executive was needed to fund a robust mental health strategy.
21 September 2004
Minister drills home tooth decay problem
Health Minister Angela Smith has launched a consultation document aimed at improving the state of people's teeth in Northern Ireland. The Oral Health Strategy is a 10-year plan which aims to improve the oral health of the entire population and reduce inequalities.
Minister drills home tooth decay problem
Health Minister Angela Smith has launched a consultation document aimed at improving the state of people's teeth in Northern Ireland. The Oral Health Strategy is a 10-year plan which aims to improve the oral health of the entire population and reduce inequalities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
