10/10/2006

North-south health divide 'still in place'

The north-south health divide in England still exists, according to a government report.

The Health Profile of England report found higher levels of obesity, smoking-related diseases and lower life expectancy in northern counties than southern ones.

The report warned that the UK had the highest obesity rate in Europe, with Boston in Lincolnshire having the highest rate of obesity in the UK.

The life expectancy of men in northern counties was also two years shorter than their southern counterparts, while life expectancy for women in the north was also a year less than those in the south.

Commenting on the study, Liberal Democrat health affairs spokesperson Steve Webb said: "The huge variations in health outcomes across Britain shows the need for public health policies tailored to local circumstances. All too often the the NHS has been run as a single monolithic organisation from Whitehall.

"It is time to free up local NHS managers and clinicians to tailor the service that they provide to the particular needs of the local area."

(KMcA)

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