Inequalities

What are Inequalities?

  • The unequal distribution of the social determinants of health, such as education, housing and employment, drives inequalities in physical and mental health, reduces an individual’s ability to prevent sickness, or to take action and access treatment when ill health occurs.

  • These inequalities are complex and embedded in society but they are also preventable. The dimensions of inequality are complex and overlapping as represented in the overlapping dimensions of health inequalities.

  • Inequalities such as deprivation, low income and poor housing have always meant poorer health, reduced quality of life and early death for many people.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly exposed how these existing inequalities - and the interconnections between them such as race, gender or geography, are associated with an increased risk of becoming ill with a disease such as COVID-19 (Coronavirus (COVID-19) Related Deaths by Ethnic Group, England and Wales: 2 March 2020 to 15 May 2020; Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19).

Accessing the sub-page links below will take you to content that seeks to set out how inequalities are affecting our residents and how we are responding as a partnership through our strategies, plans and organisations.

Wirral Indices of Deprivation

Health Inequalities

Equality, Diversity & Protected Characteristics*

Public Health Annual Reports

COVID-19 and Inequalities

Marmot Review 10 Years On

Local approach

In order to address local inequalities in health and other areas then there are a range of organisations, committees and groups in place to lead that action. Those closest to this area of work are below with specific pages outlining their approach.

Health & Wellbeing Board

Wirral Integrated Care System

Core20Plus5