MCC Health Scrutiny Committee meeting - October 2022

Macc attended the Health Scrutiny Committee meeting on 12 October. The meeting focused on the Making Manchester Fairer: Tackling Health Inequalities in Manchester report, which was launched on 31 October. The report, developed in line with the Marmot principles, acknowledges that the health of people in Manchester is worse than the national average. Where you live in the country does have a significant impact on how long you live and Manchester also wants to close the life expectancy gap between richer and poorer households. The report outlines how Manchester wants to reduce health inequalities to improve quality of life and longevity of Manchester residents. There is a significant emphasis on health equity and how services should be provided fairly and tailored to where they are most needed. Councillor Richards asked how VCSE organisations in particular would be supported to respond to the predicted increase in demand for services due to the cost of living crisis. Public Health Manchester were keen to emphasise that their approach is to work with residents, communities and particular those people who are influential within communities to gain trust over time, to listen to concerns and action these concerns. The report suggests they are adopting a strengthening communities approach and working cross-sector would be a key element of this.

The report also says they strongly want to work with VCSE partners to find the best way to work in neighbourhoods and communities of identity to support people in the right way and provided some case studies of where this work is already being undertaken. The report was originally set out to include six work streams but after discussions with other organisations and community conversations, Systematic and structural racism and discrimination, and Communities and power were added as main themes of work. Sir Michael Marmot attended the meeting and encouraged this type of work by making the comment that there was no substitute for local knowledge and local engagement. There will be an action plan and a communications plan to accompany the report.

The meeting also involved a discussion following the BBC Panorama report on abuse of patients at the Manchester Mental Health Trust Edenfield site and how the Trust was responding to these allegations of abuse. If you or anyone you know is concerned about their care or have been affected by any of the issues raised, you can contact a free helpline on 08081753323 to speak to trained and skilled practitioners.

You can access the recording of the October Health Scrutiny Committee meeting by accessing the following link here: https://vimeo.com/755126568