A NEW interagency group has been launched to tackle serious health issues arising from poverty and disadvantage, starting with the only two “extremely disadvantaged” electoral districts in Ireland, in Limerick City North and South.
The announcement of the launch of the Limerick Health Equity Region Oversight Group comes on the back of alarming research which shows that more than one in three people living in these areas are classed as disadvantaged.
Also, the number of people living in extreme disadvantage has nearly tripled between 2016 and 2022 – going from 3.2 per cent to 6.7 per cent approximately of the population of Limerick City North and South areas.
The group, comprising key state and community agencies, met for the first time yesterday (May 15) to outline their vision for the long-term programme.
The aim is to create a “fairer, healthier Limerick” by focusing on the social determinants of health (SDH) – the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, and live – a statement about the launch outlined. Examples include housing, employment, and education.
This approach is recognised and supported by the World Health Organisation.
This public health-led vision to become a ‘Health Equity Region’ is the first of its kind in Ireland, and will adopt a ‘Marmot Principles’ approach, which is an internationally recognised evidence-based framework developed in the UK.
The initial focus will be in South and North Limerick City, including the city centre, which covers a population of 75,986. Of this population, 36.4 per cent are disadvantaged, the statement outlined.
In Ireland, the degree of disadvantage is determined by education, employment, housing, and family status.
“The vast majority of our disadvantaged population lies within these areas. The only two ‘extremely disadvantaged’ electoral districts in Ireland are within this relatively small area. The oversight group has been established in order to collaborate with communities to improve their health outcomes,” the statement said.
Phase One is currently underway, and there will be an assessment of current needs of South and North Limerick City, with a particular focus on children and young people.
This assessment will involve mapping and harnessing existing community assets. Priority will be given to working with communities to produce solutions, while collaborating with interagency partners.
“The completion of Phase One will inform Phase Two, with the expectation that all eight Marmot Principles will be implemented over time across the entire Mid West region. Public Health HSE Mid West is currently working with the Institute of Health Equity in the UK in implementing these Marmot Principles,” the statement continued.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran said the group’s work “marks a vital step toward a healthier, fairer Limerick”.
“It’s impressive to see how committed the members of the Health Equity Region Oversight Group are to real change.
“We all want to have equal opportunities for all in Limerick. In order to do that, we need to address the stark disparities that exist within our communities. Both the North and South of Limerick City have been shaped by inequality for too long.
“By tackling the root causes of ill health – poverty, housing, education, and employment – we’re building a Limerick where everyone, no matter their Eircode, can thrive.”
Sandra Broderick, HSE Mid West Regional Executive Officer, aded that “the group’s work will be critical in helping to make Limerick a fairer and healthier place to live, especially for those who face the biggest challenges”.
“We will begin in the parts of Limerick City where there are higher rates of poverty, disability, smoking, and lower levels of education than the rest of the region and country and we will work collaboratively with communities to develop solutions.
“This is a long-term project that will take years of effort. Everyone, government agencies, community organisations, and residents needs to work together to make sure all of those living in Limerick have a fair chance to live a healthy life.”
Dr Mai Mannix, regional director of Public Health and Oversight Group chairperson, said that “recent research by HSE Mid West found that if you are from a low socioeconomic area, you are nearly three times more likely to attend the emergency department”.
“This is particularly the case for those living in disadvantaged areas in Limerick City North and South, whose attendance rates are significantly higher than any other area in the Mid West.
“This is because those who are living in disadvantaged areas have poorer health outcomes and therefore have a greater need to avail of emergency care. These poorer health outcomes are caused by a complex range of factors that can only be addressed through a collaborative, interagency and community approach.”
Current membership of the Oversight Group includes Limerick City and County Council, HSE Mid West, Limerick Garda Division, University of Limerick, Technological University of the Shannon, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick Chamber of Commerce, OSCAILT, Paul Partnership, Limerick Probation Services, Limerick and Clare ETB, TUSLA, and Department of Social Protection.
