Reducing inequalitites between East and West Merton
Members of the Merton Partnership committed to new ways of working to help reduce health inequalities at their annual conference last week.
Opening the conference, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Merton Partnership, Councillor Stephen Alambritis paid tribute to one of the founding members of the Merton Partnership, Chris Frost, who passed away unexpectedly days before the event.
This year's theme was ‘Bridging the Gap’ with the event led by members of Merton’s public health team. Speakers on the day included cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Linda Kirby and Merton’s Director of Public Health, Dr Kay Eilbert.
The conference was attended by more than 80 delegates from public sector organisations, voluntary and community organisations and Merton Chamber of Commerce.
A key focus of this year's conference was thinking of ways the services available to residents can work together to reduce health inequalities and bridge the gap between the east and west of the borough.
Merton's cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Linda Kirby said: "The health of residents in Merton is very important and every member of the partnership plays a key role in shaping this. By committing to finding new ways of working we will be able to tackle health inequality. The difference in life expectancy between the east and the west of the borough, 9 years for men and 13 years for women, continues to be our key concern."
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November 22, 2013