Health Secretary Wes Streeting vowed to give support to men in ex-mining and industrial communities who have suffered from historic health inequalities after a ‘life down the pit’
Miners facing higher rates of respiratory disease will be better supported by the NHS under England’s first Men’s Health Strategy.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting vowed to give support to men in ex-mining and industrial communities who have suffered from historic health inequalities after a “life down the pit”.
As part of the landmark strategy, which is expected to be unveiled on International Men’s Day on Wednesday, £1million will be pledged to the respiratory pathways transformation fund to target miners.
The money will be used to help identify those who need support, such as people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). By identifying and supporting patients at high risk of COPD, care and support can be better provided sooner to prevent avoidable hospitalisations.
The funding will support organisations across the country based on industrial heritage and evidence of health inequalities to ensure those communities with higher rates of respiratory disease are reached.
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The Men’s Health Strategy aims to address inequalities in men’s health. It is expected to set out plans to tackle major issues such as mental health, prostate and testicular cancer and heart disease.
Mr Streeting said: “Men’s health has been overlooked for far too long. “Mining is some of the most difficult work and was one of the most dangerous professions, and has left men from our traditional mining communities with bad lung health.
“Our upcoming strategy marks a turning point. We’re identifying former miners at high risk or already suffering from respiratory disease so they can get better care sooner.
“They fuelled our nation for decades, and they deserve support with the after-effects of a life down the pit.”
General Secretary to the National Union of Mineworkers Chris Kitchen said: “We welcome the Men’s Health Strategy and particularly the announcement of extra support for mineworkers with respiratory conditions.
“It is something we have been actively campaigning for and we are delighted the government has taken this onboard and is taking action.”
The Men’s Health Strategy is on Wednesday expected to say: “We will expand the existing Respiratory Pathways Transformation Fund initiative by investing an additional £1million this year through the Oxfordshire Health Innovation Network to develop targeted case-finding initiatives in former coalfield areas, such as those with COPD.
“This will help us to identify the individuals who need support to access appropriate local services. We will capture learning in the Men’s Health Strategy one-year-on report.”