Greater Manchester Health Commission
Welcome to the Greater Manchester Health Commission Website
The Greater Manchester Health Commission is the formal partnership made up of leading representatives from Greater Manchester's Councils, NHS Trusts, and the Higher Education Sector, who are working together to secure improved health and tackle health inequalities in the region.
The Greater Manchester Health Commission’s vision is of a Greater Manchester with improved life expectancy, health, and well-being, and reduced inequalities
Greater Manchester has some of the worst life expectancy and health outcomes in the country. The Greater Manchester Health Commission aims to provide the leadership to tackle these challenges.
Latest News Releases
Health Commission To Continue Fight Against Health Inequalities
05 July 2010
The Greater Manchester Health Commission welcomes the news that the debate on health inequalities has been reignited with the publication of a National Audit Office report on the issue.
The report says that life expectancy in rich and poor areas is widening. Life expectancy in England is now 77.9 years for men and 82 years for women but in poor areas this falls to 75.8 and 80.4 years respectively. This means that from 1995-97 to 2006-08 the life expectancy gap grew by 7% for men and 14% for women.
Greater Manchester has some of the worst life expectancy and health inequalities in the country. And the Greater Manchester Health Commission is now providing the leadership - with some progress already made on improving life expectancy in the city region - to tackle these challenges.
Greater Manchester Health Commission Chair, Councillor Cliff Morris, said:“The national problem of health inequalities is particularly acute in Greater Manchester and we are determined get to grips with the problem.
“We’re committed to improving the lives of the two million people in Greater Manchester, and the current health problems that exist across the city region are simply unacceptable. The things that impact on both how long someone lives and the quality of a person’s health include issues such as obesity, alcohol, tobacco and wider factors including opportunities to work. These are precisely the points being picked up by the Greater Manchester Health Commission, and we welcome the fact that this key issue is being raised again.”
Greater Manchester Health Commission Backs Domestic Violence Campaign
10 June 2010
The Greater Manchester Health Commission is backing a region-wide domestic violence campaign during this year’s World Cup.
With retailers offering cheap alcohol promotions in the run up to the World Cup sometimes fuelling domestic violence, the campaign sees councils, Greater Manchester Police, the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline and the Greater Manchester Public Health Network urging domestic abuse victims, their friends and families as well as those committing the abuse to seek help and support.
Research shows that cases of domestic abuse increase by nearly 30 per cent during some previous England football matches.
A series of posters incorporating images of a football shirt, a remote control and a broken beer bottle are being displayed in hospitals, doctors’ surgeries and licensed premises, while adverts are running on buses across Greater Manchester.
Information cards are also being distributed, providing domestic abuse victims, their friends and families and the perpetrators themselves with some key contact numbers for support services.
Councillor Cliff Morris, Chair of the Greater Manchester Health Commission, said: “Domestic violence is totally unacceptable, and using the excuse that it takes place under the influence of cheap alcohol is no excuse whatsoever. The effects of cheap alcohol are both immediate, in terms of filling A and E departments unnecessarily, and in terms of the longer-term health effects on the people of Greater Manchester.
“We want to drive home the message that domestic violence, experienced by both men and women, can have catastrophic consequences for their physical and mental health. Domestic violence is a serious public health issue and we want people to know that help and support is available in this region.”
For more information about those services available to help stop domestic abuse, people can visit: www.endthefear.co.uk. Those responsible can also get help to stop by contacting the Respect Phoneline: 0845 122 8609.
Greater Manchester Health Commission Welcomes Nice Support For Minimum Price For Alcohol
02 June 2010
The Greater Manchester Health Commission has welcomed the announcement from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to support curbs on the sale of cheap alcohol.
The recommendation from NICE is in guidance on reducing the harm from excessive drinking and backs proposals for the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol – a policy the Greater Manchester Health Commission supports.
The minimum pricing plan is aimed at reducing the consumption of alcohol, in particular harmful drinking. Minimum pricing would target alcohol which is being sold at extremely cheap prices per unit and drinking promotions that can lead to anti-social behaviour.
Research shows that as the price of alcohol rises, consumption falls. Other benefits from introducing minimum pricing would include reductions in violent crime and workplace absence.
Councillor Cliff Morris, Chair of the Greater Manchester Health Commission, said: “The announcement and guidance from NICE is welcome news. The cost to the quality of life in Greater Manchester is already huge and rising.
“The introduction of a minimum price for alcohol - which the Greater Manchester Health Commission initially highlighted last year - would go a long way to improving the health of people across Greater Manchester.
“The misuse of alcohol in our region can cause real social and health problems, both for individuals and for our communities. These proposals would go a long way towards reducing harmful alcohol use.”
