THREE fire and rescue services have been presented with an award for their work with partners to reduce health inequalities.
The Marmot Partnership Status has been awarded for the work three fire and rescue services, including West Midlands, have carried out to prevent ill health and to reduce health inequalities.
The award, presented by Sir Michael Marmot – who has launched a book called ‘The Health Gap and the Challenge of an Unequal World’ – who explains health inequity kills 200,000 every year in the UK.
Sir Michael Marmot said if the 200,000 deaths were caused by a pollutant, people would be on the streets marching to have it banned.
He added: “The cause is inequality in the conditions in which we are born, live, work and age.
“But we also know community engagement reduces ill health and saves lives and that’s why the work firefighters are doing is absolutely magnificent.”
Gary Taylor, West Midlands Fire Service’s assistant chief fire officer, said they were very proud to have been recognised by Sir Michael for their work in reducing health inequalities.
“We recognise the clear links between poor health and the risk of fire so tackling the cause of the causes is a long term investment in reducing the risk of fire,” he added.
“As we implement our new ‘Safe and Well’ visits we aim to become an even more valuable asset as part of the wider public health workforce.”
