College joins RCP London to ask Welsh Government how they are working to reduce inequalities

27 Apr 2023

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, along with 33 organisations have joined the Royal College of Physicians to call on Welsh Government officials, asking them to report on the actions they are taking to reduce the impact of inequality.

College President, Mike McKirdy said:

“Poverty has long been recognised as the greatest factor impacting health in the UK and the growing cost-of-living crisis is only exacerbating challenges for those in the most deprived areas of the country. Action to tackle inequality now is urgently needed. Not only is it cutting life expectancy short for those living in poorer areas, the impact of poverty is robbing people of the ability to live a healthy life. To address these wider determinants of health, a coordinated response at multiple levels of government, in Wales and the rest of the UK, is vital to prioritise reducing inequality and preventing harm.”

Our letter to the Welsh Government states:

“Wales has the highest poverty rate among the four UK nations, with almost one in four (23%) people in poverty. This is driven by the relatively high proportions of working-age adults out of work (25%) or working typically lower-paid ‘routine’ jobs (32% of in-work adults).

Our organisations are calling for a national joined-up delivery plan that sets out
milestones, timelines and clear targets detailing what every Welsh government
department is doing to tackle inequalities within their remit, and how ministers are
working together to reduce the impact of poverty and deprivation on the people of
Wales. Led by the first minister and jointly written with external stakeholders, this plan should be shaped by lived experience.”

Read the letter in full, including the list of signatories, here:

Letter to Welsh Government on Health Inequalities

Category: Health Inequalities