 Allan
Wilson MSP welcomed the gradual improvement in the overall health of local
people over the decade to 2001 but wants to see real improvement over the
next decade in closing the gap between the most affluent and most deprived
communities in Cunninghame North.
“The increase in life expectancy for both males and females of 2.1 years is
on a par with improvements in life expectancy across Scotland but masks
persistent inequalities in health between rich and poor,” said Mr Wilson.
“Since Labour came to power we have recognised the link between poverty and
ill-health previously ignored and taken steps to deal with it.
“That’s why the Arbuthnott formula now skews funding to health boards like
Ayrshire and Arran, with a deprivation element,” said Mr Wilson.
“Real reductions in deaths caused by Scotland’s killer diseases of heart
disease, strokes and lung cancer, of the magnitude of 20-25%, match Scottish
Executive priorities in this constituency and are double the Scottish
average.
“But government alone cannot meet these challenges. The figures show that
people in every part of Scotland need to have regard to their own health. It
is clear, for instance, that the percentage of people who smoke in deprived
areas is much higher than in more affluent parts of the country.
“While these lifestyle choices on whether to smoke, how much to drink, and
what exercise to take are for each one of us to make for ourselves, health
education is vital to enable people to make an informed choice.
“That’s why we have established healthy living centers in both the Three
Towns and the Garnock Valley to give help and advice as well as assistance
in improving life changes for local people,” said Mr Wilson.
“Education and employment remains the best routes out of poverty and
ill-health and the most striking statistic of all is the massive increase in
school leavers (of 24.7% and 37.1%) into higher and further education
respectively in this constituency.”
“While the former figure is on a par with increased educational opportunity
for young Scots generally, the increase in further education students of
three times the Scottish average is undoubtedly down to the increased
opportunities now available locally at James Watt College Campus in
Kilwinning.”
“It is testimony to the foresight of local and Scottish Government that
James Watt College should have been such a success so quickly and it augurs
well for the future health and well being of our young people.”
“Educational attainment increases employment opportunity and while there has
been a 36.3% fall in unemployment claimants over the period we are still
lagging behind the rest of Scotland in the creation of new employment.”
“That’s why growing the local economy is a national priority for the
Executive. New jobs are a pre requisite to tackling health inequalities in
this constituency and ensuring that everyone enjoys the increase in life
expectancy that increased affluence can bring.” |
