Depending on where you live in Wigan your life expectancy can differ by up to eight years, health bosses have confirmed.
Rachael Musgrave, director of public health for Wigan, said: “The things that make the big difference are the building blocks of good health, so good housing, employment, friends and family, access to transport and education. How would better health be implemented in Wigan? It's a big task with a long-term focus. The borough's Health and Wellbeing Board , which has been revitalised in recent months, will play an integral role in this change.
“The discussion with Rachael is how we can improve population health because even after having 10 years with a Health and Wellbeing Board there are still health inequalities in this borough. In wealth and health.Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features
“That is why it is so important to have as many parties delivering services in our area on the HWBB.” “Yes we can do that but actually it is about getting people to incorporate health in everyday life. So our infrastructure is important on many levels.” “Health has worsened as a result of the pandemic,” Ms Musgrave continued. “So this is something we all have to focus on now.”
Making changes for the long term means some benefits for communities might not be measurable for years to come, however. Health bosses believe the holistic approach could help save millions for the NHS if it succeeds, by decreasing the amount of people needing health services and in turn future-proofing the NHS.