Over the past year the Sheffield
First for Health partnership has seen significant inroads
made into improving the health of Sheffield citizens, particularly
in the communities where health has been poorest. Sheffield
First for Health can report:
… Life expectancy has improved in areas where previously
it was lowest, closing the gap between these areas and the
rest of the city by 9.3%
… Mortality below the age of 75 in Sheffield is now lower
than most other comparable English cities.
… Coronary heart disease and cancer have continued to reduce
- a 20% reduction in cancer in the under 75 population has
been achieved, and government coronary heart disease targets
of a 40% reduction by 2010 have been reached 6 years early.
Andy Buck, Joint-Chair of Sheffield First for Health said:
"We are pleased with the progress that has been made
in closing the gap. As the figures show, the continued efforts
of all the agencies in the city, and effective joined up
working, is paying off and contributing to the improved
health of the people of Sheffield."
The partnership has identified priorities for the next
twelve months including: improving maternal health services
in disadvantaged communities; continuing to build support
for the health and
emotional well being of children and young people; and continuing
to tackle the major killers such as heart disease, diabetes
and cancer.
Andy added: "Key challenges identified within Sheffield
First for Health - smoking, obesity, a lack of physical
activity, alcohol and substance misuse - have been highlighted
in the recent Government White paper on public health, and
we therefore look forward to tackling these issues within
the government agenda, whilst at the same time maintaining
our commitment to
reducing health inequalities in the city."
January 2005
October 02, 2006 
