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London Health 2020

Where are we now?

London’s international workforces are entitled to be registered with the National Health Service. London’s air quality is the worst in comparison to the rest of the UK and among the worst in Europe. City-dwellers contend with high rates of asthma due to air pollution and higher mortality rates. The Greater London Authority is working with the Department of Health’s London Office towards improving the health of Londoners. Among the major strategies the Mayor has put forward are:

• The Air Quality Strategy (2002)
• The London Health Commission (2000), uniting organisations in tackling health inequalities
• The Housing Commission, as many health issues are related to poor housing

Others include the Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance and the Saving Londoners Lives campaign aimed at reducing the number of Londoners dying from heart attacks.

What are the authorities planning for the future?

GLA/London Health Commission’s Report 2003:

• Air quality - London is likely to meet the national targets for only five out of seven air pollutants unless extra measures are taken.
• Housing - the current fitness standard for habitation will be replaced after 2004. This new standard will be the target for all social housing to conform to by 2010.
• Health inequalities - presently measured using health determinants such as ethnicity, social networks, living and working conditions, age and area. Better measures are being developed. The GLA is also attempting to identify a set of indicators for monitoring quality of life in London.

NHS Plan:

• This action plan for the next 10 years was published in July 2000. It promises, among other things, more hospitals, doctors and nurses; shorter waiting times and to specifically target cancer and heart disease.

How are government plans going to affect Euronet members?

• Do you think the GLA strategies for air quality, living and working conditions will improve Londoners health?
• The GLA has produced quite a comprehensive assessment of the city’s current health climate, but it seems to lack a concrete strategy for the future. What do you think their strategy should be in the light of the above information? Failure to improve air quality for example could discourage the international community from wanting to live and work in the city.
• The NHS plan is of course for all of the UK. Does London need it’s own health plan?
• Also, although the GLA claims to have a working relationship with the Department of Health, the protocols governing this relation are unclear. For instance, will the GLA be able to make any contribution to helping the NHS (through the Executive in London) realise its 10-year aims?

What are your thoughts? Contact us by emailing london2020@euronet-london.com

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