LACA has commented on the launch of the London Health Board, a partnership between local government, the NHS and the Mayor of London, which held its first meeting on Monday, May 20th.
“LACA welcomes the commitment by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to place significant focus on childhood obesity in his new role as Chair of the London Health Board.
"The growing issue of obesity amongst children is one which is increasingly becoming a major public health challenge and LACA urges all newly formed Health and Wellbeing boards to place similar significance to the issue.”
The board comprises 15 members, with equal representation of five leaders appointed from London councils, four mayoral appointments and five health service leaders. The board will meet quarterly.
Its aims are:
* Improve the healthy life expectancy of Londoners
* Reduce health inequalities in London between and within boroughs
* Ensure that London's life sciences sector continues to thrive and grow
The board has identified a number of priority areas to focus on:
* Making the case for investing in London's health economy
promoting growth and jobs in London's health & life sciences sectors
* Improving primary care
* Enhancing the patient experience, particularly through transparency of data and digital access to information
improving mental health services
Following the inaugural meeting, the board issued a statement saying it also recognised the challenge of tackling childhood obesity in London and expressed an interest in the work being taken forward across the capital by partners.
The Mayor of London and Chair of the London Health Board, Boris Johnson, said: "London is facing major health challenges, including childhood obesity, mental ill health and health inequalities.
"The London Health Board will give the capital a strong voice to make the case for the resources needed to meet these challenges. We have world renowned research and treatment centres in London and I am keen that we work together to improve healthy life expectancy in our city."
Cllr Teresa O'Neill, Executive Member for Health at London Councils, said: "Councils are already using their new public health responsibilities and roles in local Health & Wellbeing Boards to work with partners locally.
"This can have a tangible effect on the health and wellbeing of Londoners.
"We welcome the London Health Board as a vehicle for joint strategic leadership on health issues, where we can make London's case more strongly together, overcome any system-wide challenges and boost opportunities for the health and life-sciences sector."
Dr Anne Rainsberry, Director for NHS England (London) said: "I welcome the opportunity the London Health Board brings to work together with partners on a shared vision to improve health for Londoners, with the aim of securing the best possible results."