New Interagency Group to tackle health inequality in Limerick

Limerick City and County Council and HSE Mid West have officially established an interagency oversight group that aims to tackle health inequalities in Limerick’s most disadvantaged areas.

The Limerick Health Equity Region Oversight Group, comprising key state and community agencies, met for the first time on May 15 to outline the vision for the long-term programme.

The vision is to create a fairer, healthier Limerick by focusing on addressing the social determinants of health (SDH). SDHs are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, and live. Examples include housing, employment, and education. This approach is recognised and supported by the World Health Organization.

This Public Health-led vision to become a Health Equity Region is the first of its kind in Ireland, and will adopt a ‘Marmot Principles’ approach, which is an internationally recognised evidence-based framework that was developed in the UK.

Initially, the Oversight Group will focus on the first of eight Marmot Principle of giving every child the best start in life.

The initial focus will be in South and North Limerick City, including the city centre, which covers a population of 75,986. Of this population, 36.4% are disadvantaged. In Ireland, the degree of disadvantage is determined by education, employment, housing, and family status. Those living in extreme disadvantage has nearly tripled between 2016 and 2022 (3.2% to 6.7% approximately of the population of Limerick City North and South areas).

The vast majority of our disadvantaged population lies within these areas. The only two ‘extremely disadvantaged’ electoral districts in Ireland, are within this relatively small area. The Oversight Group has been established in order to collaborate with communities to improve their health outcomes.

Phase One is currently underway, and there will be an assessment of current needs of South and North Limerick City, with a particular focus on children and young people.

This assessment will involve mapping and harnessing existing community assets. Priority will be given to working with communities to produce solutions, while collaborating with our interagency partners.

The completion of Phase One will inform Phase Two, with the expectation that all eight Marmot Principles will be implemented, over time, across the entire Mid West region. Public Health HSE Mid West is currently working with the Institute of Health Equity in the UK in implementing these Marmot Principles.

Mayor of Limerick John Moran, commented: "Today marks a vital step toward a healthier, fairer Limerick. We’ve committed to a More Healthy Limerick in the More for Limerick programme, and the best way to begin that process is by reducing inequality. It’s impressive to see how committed the members of the Health Equity Region Oversight Group are to real change. We all want to have equal opportunities for all in Limerick. In order to do that, we need to address the stark disparities that exist within our communities. Both the North and South of Limerick city have been shaped by inequality for too long. Health begins in our homes, schools, and communities. By tackling the root causes of ill health - poverty, housing, education, and employment - we’re building a Limerick where everyone, no matter their Eircode, can thrive. I would like to thank the HSE team for responding to the More for Limerick objectives with this programme, and indeed thanks to all the participants, as collaboration will drive this transformation. Now, the real work begins."

Sandra Broderick, HSE Mid West Regional Executive Officer, said:

Dr Mai Mannix, Regional Director of Public Health and Oversight Group chairperson, said: “Recent research by HSE Mid West found that if you are from a low socioeconomic area, you are nearly three times more likely to attend the emergency department. This is particularly the case for those living in disadvantaged areas in Limerick City North and South, whose attendance rates are significantly higher than any other area in the Mid West.

“This is because those who are living in disadvantaged areas have poorer health outcomes and therefore have a greater need to avail of emergency care. These poorer health outcomes are caused by a complex range of factors that can only be addressed through a collaborative, interagency and community approach. This approach will aim to tackle health inequalities at the root, with an initial focus of providing the best start in life for children.”

Director General with Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, added:

“Limerick City and County Council is committed to playing our part in helping to build a more inclusive and equitable health system. The launch of the Health Equity Region Oversight Group reflects our shared determination to tackle health disparities head-on. By bringing together voices from across our community, we are laying the groundwork for systemic change. Our goal is to ensure every person in Limerick, regardless of background or circumstance, has equal access to the resources they need to live healthier, fuller lives.”