Childhood obesity, alcohol abuse and cancer are key health concerns for the capital

These key areas were agreed in a meeting today of the London Health Improvement Board, launched early this year and backed by Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health, signalling a new London wide approach to health improvement.

The aim of the Board, chaired by the Mayor of London, and working in partnership with London Councils and the NHS, is to provide a London-wide approach on a number of key areas where an overall strategic focus is needed, in addition to the public health work already underway across the capital.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: ‘Through the London Health Improvement Board we have a fantastic opportunity for London to set the agenda about the issues that really matter to us as a city and to work together to ensure they are tackled. The paramount health problems that we must prioritise in London are obesity, particularly amongst children, alcoholism and its consequences, and awareness of cancers. During a time of economic strain, it is more important than ever that we join forces in this unique partnership to achieve more and make a real, tangible difference in these key areas.’

Cllr Colin Barrow, London Councils’ executive member for health and adult services, said:  ‘Londoners stand to benefit enormously from having a single body which will focus on driving through health improvements right across the capital. Real gains in health are made when different agencies work together and break down barriers to get the possible outcomes; this joint working not only makes the budgets go further, but can deliver significant gains, particularly in preventing chronic conditions. As local councils take on the new responsibilities for public health, we look forward to working with the Mayor and the NHS to add value to what is being delivered locally.’

Ruth Carnall, Chief Executive of NHS London said: ‘The setting up of this Board recognises that the health of Londoners is affected not only by NHS care but by social and economic issues as well. Today’s agreement will see us come together to tackle issues that touch all of London, like childhood obesity and alcohol, both of which have a massive impact on peoples health and our services. We also want to work together to prevent, identify and treat cancer better, leading to the level of improved outcomes we have seen since, for example, taking a new approach to stroke services in the capital.’

Each year 27,000 Londoners are diagnosed with cancer and over a third of all Londoners will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their life. Among other goals, working together the board aims to increase the number of patients presenting symptoms earlier and to also increase the number of Londoners taking up the offer of screening for bowel cancer through a much needed awareness campaign.

In terms of childhood obesity today’s meeting also agreed that it is imperative to act now to improve the health and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of London’s children through a revitalised healthy schools programme, increased sporting activities harnessing the Olympic legacy, and the development of a pan-London strategy to reduce obesity long term.

It is estimated that 280,000 Londoners are dependent on alcohol, levels among the highest in Western Europe and costing London £2.5 billion per year. Alcohol related hospital admissions have increased by 124 per cent since 2003. The board today agreed that doing nothing is not an option when 72 per cent of Londoners are concerned about the impact of alcohol on their communities. The Mayor, London Councils and London’s NHS, are jointly committed to ensuring that support for individuals most at risk is in place and will be working with the relevant licensing authorities to make sure that alcohol is supplied responsibly.

The London Health Improvement Board will next meet in January 2012.