Public health lecture discusses tackling health inequalities in Cheshire and Merseyside

‘All Together Fairer; a collaboration for tackling inequalities’ will be presented by Professor Ian Ashworth, Director of Population Health at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and Professor Helen Bromley, Director of Public Health for Cheshire West and Chester. Both are Visiting Professors at the University.

All Together Fairer is Cheshire and Merseyside’s collaborative approach to improving health equity and the social determinants of health in the subregion. The Programme brings together public, private and third sector organisations with one shared aim: to build a fairer, healthier Cheshire and Merseyside.

Hosted by the University of Chester’s Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society and Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Haygarth Lecture celebrates the legacy of the 18^th century physician Dr John Haygarth, who pioneered disease control measures.

Described as ‘Clinical Investigator – Apostle of Sanitation’ he helped stem a smallpox epidemic threatening the city’s population in the late 1700s whilst practising Medicine at Chester Royal Infirmary.

Dr Matt Bowen, Head of School for Allied and Public Health at the University, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Professor Ian Ashworth and Professor Helen Bromley to the University to share their insights into the All Together Fairer Programme. It will be a fascinating opportunity to benefit from their experience and explore what this means for us locally in Cheshire West and Chester.”

Professor Helen Bromley said: “Our borough is often thought of as affluent ‘leafy Cheshire’ when, in fact, it has some of the most deprived areas in England.

“As a Council one of our objectives is to help all our residents be healthy, happy and independent for longer in supportive communities.  Focusing on reducing inequalities in health is a vital part of our work in Cheshire West and Chester.

“I’m looking forward to discussing this important issue at the Haygarth Lecture and inspiring more people to make a difference where they can.”

Professor Ian Ashworth, Director of Population Health at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “Health inequalities are not inevitable – they are shaped by the conditions in which people are born, grow, live and work. Through All Together Fairer, we’re bringing partners together across Cheshire and Merseyside to address these root causes and create lasting change.

“This lecture is a chance to share the progress we’re making, celebrate collaboration, and inspire further action towards a fairer, healthier future for everyone in our communities.”

The Lecture is free to attend and takes place on Wednesday, November 26 at the University’s School of Education, Exton Park at 6.30pm. To book a place visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/universityofchesterpublicevents/1810776