Menu
05/03/2013
UK Health 'Poor'
The UK has faired badly in a European health league table.
December saw publication of the worldwide and regional results for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD 2010). Now, the first country report based on GBD data is published.
The results for the UK are mixed. Although life expectancy has improved, so has the average for comparable European countries. In several areas—breast cancer, ischaemic heart disease, respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the severity of its tobacco epidemic—the UK seems to be doing poorly compared with its neighbours. The UK ranking against other nations for mortality has "worsened substantially" for those aged 20—54 years.
The authors, who include several leading UK experts and policy makers, recommend specific initiatives to address these deficiencies: a renewed focus on drug misuse, integrated medical care, reducing salt intake, tackling the major causes of chronic disability, and bringing more energy to the social and economic determinants of disease, disability, and risk. The UK GBD results are an independent scientific report card on decades of NHS reorganisations that have often had more to do with political ideology than sound evidence. Now is an opportunity for a different approach.
The provenance of the UK report is interesting to consider. The day before the GBD was launched publicly in London last December, a separate and private presentation of the UK GBD data was made to UK policy makers. The response was immediate and encouraging. There was strong interest in developing the presentation into a research paper for publication and subsequent review by the UK's Department of Health. The GBD results do not by themselves offer definitive prescriptions for the predicaments they describe. And they do not provide a simple verdict on the performance of the UK health system. But they do offer a quantitative means to monitor measures of health and disease and to enable more rational review and discussion of health priorities. This work is an important step forward for health policy.
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "For too long we have been lagging behind and I want the reformed health system to take up this challenge and turn this shocking underperformance around."
(GK)
December saw publication of the worldwide and regional results for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD 2010). Now, the first country report based on GBD data is published.
The results for the UK are mixed. Although life expectancy has improved, so has the average for comparable European countries. In several areas—breast cancer, ischaemic heart disease, respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the severity of its tobacco epidemic—the UK seems to be doing poorly compared with its neighbours. The UK ranking against other nations for mortality has "worsened substantially" for those aged 20—54 years.
The authors, who include several leading UK experts and policy makers, recommend specific initiatives to address these deficiencies: a renewed focus on drug misuse, integrated medical care, reducing salt intake, tackling the major causes of chronic disability, and bringing more energy to the social and economic determinants of disease, disability, and risk. The UK GBD results are an independent scientific report card on decades of NHS reorganisations that have often had more to do with political ideology than sound evidence. Now is an opportunity for a different approach.
The provenance of the UK report is interesting to consider. The day before the GBD was launched publicly in London last December, a separate and private presentation of the UK GBD data was made to UK policy makers. The response was immediate and encouraging. There was strong interest in developing the presentation into a research paper for publication and subsequent review by the UK's Department of Health. The GBD results do not by themselves offer definitive prescriptions for the predicaments they describe. And they do not provide a simple verdict on the performance of the UK health system. But they do offer a quantitative means to monitor measures of health and disease and to enable more rational review and discussion of health priorities. This work is an important step forward for health policy.
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "For too long we have been lagging behind and I want the reformed health system to take up this challenge and turn this shocking underperformance around."
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 February 2012
Schmallenberg Virus Spreads
The first cases of Schmallenberg virus have been confirmed on the Isle of Wight, in West Berkshire and in Gloucestershire. The disease which causes birth defects and miscarriages in livestock. The latest data from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency puts the total number of UK holdings affected at 74.
Schmallenberg Virus Spreads
The first cases of Schmallenberg virus have been confirmed on the Isle of Wight, in West Berkshire and in Gloucestershire. The disease which causes birth defects and miscarriages in livestock. The latest data from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency puts the total number of UK holdings affected at 74.
27 February 2007
Research warns of rise in dementia cases
Up to 1.7 million people in the UK will have dementia in the UK by 2051, new research has claimed. The research conducted by the London School of Economics and Institute of Psychiatry predicted that the number of dementia cases would increase by 154% as a result of Britain's ageing population.
Research warns of rise in dementia cases
Up to 1.7 million people in the UK will have dementia in the UK by 2051, new research has claimed. The research conducted by the London School of Economics and Institute of Psychiatry predicted that the number of dementia cases would increase by 154% as a result of Britain's ageing population.
28 May 2014
More People Accept NHS Health Check
More people than ever before are accepting the offer to attend an NHS Health Check according to new figures from Public Health England (PHE). The figures, published today, show that in the last year over 1.
More People Accept NHS Health Check
More people than ever before are accepting the offer to attend an NHS Health Check according to new figures from Public Health England (PHE). The figures, published today, show that in the last year over 1.
12 September 2013
Salmonella Outbreak In England And Wales Has Links To Cooked Meat
Investigations show that an outbreak of salmonella seen in England and Wales has links to the consumption of cooked ham bought from small independent butchers' shops. The results of tests carried out by environmental health officers on the product did not show the presence of salmonella although it did reveal other hygiene issues.
Salmonella Outbreak In England And Wales Has Links To Cooked Meat
Investigations show that an outbreak of salmonella seen in England and Wales has links to the consumption of cooked ham bought from small independent butchers' shops. The results of tests carried out by environmental health officers on the product did not show the presence of salmonella although it did reveal other hygiene issues.
20 August 2013
Leading GP Condemns Health MOTs
The UK's leading GP has condemned health checks carried out on millions of people over the age of 40, as a waste of time. The NHS Health Check is being promoted by the government "against good evidence", Dr Clare Gerada, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, has said.
Leading GP Condemns Health MOTs
The UK's leading GP has condemned health checks carried out on millions of people over the age of 40, as a waste of time. The NHS Health Check is being promoted by the government "against good evidence", Dr Clare Gerada, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
