Poor health of our children

NHS Oldham report
CHILDREN in Oldham fare significantly worse in many health-related areas when compared with the national average, according to a new report.

The Child and Maternal Health Observatory has produced a snapshot of child health and well-being in each area based upon data available last month.

Out of 32 health indicators, 13 are significantly worse for Oldham children than the England average.

These include:

::Infant mortality.

::Hospital admissions due to alcohol specific conditions (under-18).

::Decayed, missing or filled teeth (aged 5).

::Rate of family homelessness.

::Hospital admission rates due to injury (under-18).

::Children living in poverty.

::Not in education, employment or training (16-18).

But four indicators for Oldham are significantly better than the England average. These are:

::MMR Immunisation rate by aged two.

::GCSE pass rate (5 A* - C).

::Children & Young People using drugs.

::Participation in positive activities.

Alan Higgins, director of public health, said the profile did not show data over time, such as the reduction of 35.7 per cent in the under-18 conception rate in Oldham since 1998.

He said: “The information isn’t new and it doesn’t show that there has been a reduction in conception rates.

“Some targets show we are doing very well compared with our peers across the country but the majority show we’ve some way to go.”

Councillor Jackie Stanton, non-executive member, said: “There are large parts of the borough where this does not apply. We’ve got to make sure our resources are targeting areas of need.”

Board members agreed the information should be used to help establish priorities across the borough.