Total Population of Reigate and Banstead - Essay Example

?BACKGROUND Geographical data KT18 5NU, KT20 5TH, KT20 5JE, SM7 3HH and SM7 2BQ communities are in Reigate and Banstead District located at the SouthEast area of the Surrey County. 73% of land in Surrey is green belt and 25% is designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Table 1 summarizes the geographical characteristics of these locations, specifically their addresses, wards and establishments. Comparing the five communities, KT20 5JE and SM7 2BQ have the most healthcare establishments. On the other hand, KT20 5TH currently has none. Although all communities have business establishments, KT20 5JE has the most, while KT20 5TH has the least. This may indicate the financial status of the households living in these areas. Table 1. Geographical Data of KT18 5NU, KT20 5TH, KT20 5JE, SM7 3HH and SM7 2BQ in Reigate and Banstead District, Surrey County, UK (Bell, n. d.) KT18 5NU KT20 5TH KT20 5JE SM7 3HH SM7 2BQ address 79 B2221, Downs, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey County KT18, UK 29 Heathcote, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5TH, UK 1 Troy Close, Downs, Epsom, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5JE, UK 7 Woodmansterne Ln, Banstead, Surrey SM7, UK 1 The Horseshoe, Banstead, Surrey SM7 2BQ, UK Ward Tattenhams Ward Tadworth and Walton Ward Preston Ward Banstead Village Ward establishments -Tattenham Health Centre -Epsom Tattenham Library -Tadworth Medical Centre -Epsom Cardiac Risk In The Young (CRY) -Epsom Downs Metro Centre -opp Medical Centre -The Longcroft Clinic -Banstead Eastcroft Nursing Home, -The Longcroft Clinic -Banstead United Reformed Church -Banstead South East Coast Ambulance Service -Banstead Priory Preparatory School -Banstead Community Junior School -Banstead Age Concern, -Banstead Centre/The Horseshoe, Banstead Citizens Advice Bureau -Banstead Clinic -Ridgemount care home -Greenacres care home, -Banstead Kyushindo Karate Club, -Banstead Youth Centre Population 2011 survey shows that Reigate and Banstead has a total population of 138, 400, which is approximately 12% of Surrey County population and 0.2% of the whole country. It was noted to decline by 0.6% from 2010 to 2011 (Office of National Statistics, 2011). Stratification by age Looking at population by age, 2009 data shows that the two largest age groups for Surrey are the 40-44 and 45-49 year olds, who were born during the 'baby boom' of the 1960s. Another bulge in the 60-64 year old age group is also observable, attributed to the 'post war bulge'. This pattern was more or less retained in 2010. Other significant age groups are those aged 10-15 and 0-4 years. According to 2001 Census from the Office of National Statistics, the average number of children in households with children in Surrey is 1.83. The curve showing the age stratification of Surrey population is similar to that of England, although compared with England, Surrey has a slightly larger proportion of people in the 35 and over age group and a correspondingly smaller proportion in the 10-35 year old group figure 1). Stratification by sex From figure 1 it can also be seen that there is no significant difference between the population of males and females across age groups, except for the elderly above 70 (Office of National Statistics, 2009). In this age group, there are 7 females for every 5 males. Discrepancy becomes greater for much older age groups, those 85 and above, in which there is more than 2 females for every 1 male. Ethnicity Based on the data from Office of National Statistics (2009), Approximately, 10% of the 2009 population in Reigate and Banstead belong to minority groups, particularly mixed (1.98%), Asian (4.48%), Black (2.87%), and Chinese (1.32%). According to Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), the ethnic minorities in Surrey provide a challenge to ensure that appropriate health needs services reach even these small communities and individuals. This becomes more important as the predisposition to and associated prevalence of some diseases are noted to be higher in minority ethnic groups compared to the rest of the population. In fact, if the inequalities gap continues to grow over the next 5 – 10 years, demand for treatments services will increase (Vamplew, 2012).  Health status The community of Surrey is noted to be healthier than most of England. In fact, life expectancy is significantly higher in all Surrey districts than in England overall. Life expectancy in Surrey is 80.5 years for men and 84.1 years for women, while for England it is 78.3 for men and 82.3for women. On the other hand, surrey’s general fertility rate (births per 1,000 females aged 15-44 years) was 62.7 in 2009, similar to the rate for England (63.8), although Reigate and Banstead has a significantly higher fertility rates than England. However, there is intra-district difference in health status of Reigate and Banstead, as evidenced by the 5.4 year gap between the fifth of wards with the highest life expectancy and the fifth of wards with the lowest life expectancy (Office of National Statistics, 2009). Financial status Surrey is recognized as the most urbanised shire county in England, with 83% of its population living in urban areas (Saywer, 2012). Socioeconomic conditions Socioeconomic status parameters, including income, employment, housing and social belongingness, have repeatedly been shown to affect health status and life expectancy. This can be quantified using Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), based on income, income affecting children, income affecting older people, employment, health, education, housing distribution, crime, and living environment. The higher the IMD score, the more deprived an area, and the more deprived population are more likely to die sooner and be unwell more often than the more affluent parts of the population (Saywer, 2012). The link between deprivation and disease has already been stated in terms of life expectancy and mortality. It follows therefore that those living with more deprivation should experience an increased burden of disease. The Global Health Equity Group review identifies a link between circulatory disease and deprivation, with the more deprived having increased rates of disease (figure 2). An investigation of long term conditions in Surrey has also provided evidence of associations between disease and deprivation.  The same pattern was seen between deprivation and admissions due to diabetes, COPD or coronary heart disease (Department of Communities and Local Government, England Rank IMD, 2010; National Health Service, 2010; Office of National Statistics, 2010). This county is the fifth least deprived county out of 149 counties in England, with more than half of its population (60.9%) falling into the least deprived quintile. Within Surrey, Reigate and Banstead has the second highest proportion (7.7%) of the population belonging to the top two most deprived quintiles (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2010). In terms of the other domains of IMD, Surrey is relatively less deprived in terms of income, employment, education and health deprivation, except for housing distribution which is comparable to the levels of deprivation with England. For this domain, 10.7% of Surrey population belongs to the most deprived quintile. In addition, the county has 44% of its population in the more deprived three quintiles for the living environment domain (Sawyer, 2012). In the identification of priority places, which are geographical areas whose residents experience inequality and deprivation relative to the rest of the county, NHS Surrey and Surrey County Council reports that in Reigate and Banstead, only Merstham ward is high priority. Looking at heat maps of all wards in the district, which provide a visual representation of measured deprivation based on health and well-being, children and young people, economic development, safe and stronger communities, as well as housing issues, among Tattenhams (KT18 5NU), Tadworth and Walton (KT20 5TH), Preston (KT20 5JE), and Banstead (SM7 3HH and SM7 2BQ) wards, which represents the communities in question for this study, residents of Preston was noted to be more deprived than those in the other three wards (Sawyer, 2012). This is in contrast to what was expected based on the geographical distribution of healthcare centers and commercial establishments, since KT20 5JE, compared to the other four communities, has the most healthcare centers and business establishments. Social services Health One of Surrey’s solutions to the problem of deprived few is the Health Champions, which points out vulnerable and at risk groups to appropriate services, and identifying gaps in service provision. Health visiting teams are also available to identify families at risk. In addition, the county also conducts immunization, breastfeeding (baby cafes, breastfeeding support for areas of high need), as well as feeding programs for children (HENRY: Healthy Eating and Nutrition for the Really Young) (Owusu, 2012). Deprived and minority All schools in Surrey participate in the implementation of Health Schools agenda, which requires these institutions to have a clear anti-bullying policy, as well as a gender-sensitive Sex and Relationship education within their curriculum. A community organization, Gay Surrey, runs an initiative with Surrey schools to reduce homophobic bullying within educational settings, and Babcock FourS provides schools specific training on equalities and homophobic bullying issues. However, there is no indication that an anti-homophobic bullying policy in the school exists, or whether lesbian and gay topics are also included in their curriculum (Owusu, 2012). A phone service is available to provide services for the gay and lesbians. Young people who enquire by telephone or online are referred to the LGBTQ Service, where they are offered a one to one meeting with them either by telephone or face to face. Thus, Twister Youth Clubs are also present to provide more in-depth support and counseling services to the gay and lesbian of the community. In fact, in between April 2009 and April 2010, more than half of the 148 young people who phoned in ended up regularly participating in the activities of the organization. However, there is no Twister Club in Reigate and Banstead (Owusu, 2012). Table 2. Summary of health needs and implemented solutions in Reigate and Banstead Health needs based on data Present Solutions 1. Uneven geographical distribution of health centers, nursing homes, counseling facilities, and schools. 2. Declining population Promote well-being and prevention 3. The largest groups are 40 – 49, 60 – 64, 10 – 15, and 0 - 4 year olds. Those in between, particularly the 20 – 39 year olds, the young professionals that are currently supporting and will continue to support the country’s economy in many years to come is depleted. 4. 10% of population belongs to ethnic minority groups. 5. Intra-district difference in health status Availability of social services tasked in the identification of vulnerable, at risk and deprived areas of the community. Plan to focus social services to these areas 6. No Twister Youth Club in Reigate and Banstead -A more detailed picture of LGBTQ young people in Reigate and Banstead, as well as in Surrey is needed, since statistics on them is still quite lacking (JSNA).   -It would be useful to engage with young people who already use the phone service to find out how to make services more accessible (JSNA). Focusing on health inequality within the district Rationale Public health is a branch of health science that aims to ensure the well-being of the population, primarily through preventive measures. Solving health inequality within Reigate and Banstead is the focus of this paper’s recommendation, because, among others, health inequalities have social implications. In terms of the economy, health contributes to the happiness, satisfaction and the value of an individual to his or her role as a means of production, thus affecting their labor potential. Making health equity possible is thus a good investment (Mackenbach, Meerding & Kunst, 2007). Approach Based on the biopsychosocial approach to health, which states that a person’s well-being is affected not only by its physical state, but also by its psychological and social factors, the community plays an important role in ensuring the good health of its members. This makes sense, because without employment, there will be no income. Without money, nutrition and housing will be compromised. Poor nutrition and uncontrolled environment contribute to the development of diseases. Without a company or neighborhood to belong with, access to social services, healthcare in particular, will be more difficult (Zyga, Kanellopoulos & Bakola, 2010). Thus, according to Global Health Equity Group (2010) and as supported by evidence, policies should focus on the addressing social inequalities in income, employment, education, housing distribution, crime, and living environment, by creating fair employment and good work for all. ensuring healthy standard of living for all, creating and developing healthy and sustainable places and communities, and promoting well-being, as well as the role and impact of ill health prevention.   Encouraging cooperation within government Of primary importance is the engagement of policy makers on health, education, social security, employment, city planning, and others (Mackenbach, Meerding & Kunst, 2007; Zyga, Kanellopoulos & Bakola, 2010). This is also necessary to empower the community by making social services, including nearby sports and leisure complex, healthcare centers, government offices, etc., accessible (Johnson, 2010). Health and educational programs for all age groups Health and education programs should include people from early years through to adulthood and old age. This includes giving every child the optimal care, and enabling all children, young people and adults to maximize their capabilities and have control over their lives. Education should also include timely access to language support, especially for those who do not have English as their first language. Language barrier is a significant hindrance to providing healthcare, especially among the mentally ill, with HIV infection, substance abusers, or victims of domestic violence (Johnson, 2010; Global Health Equity Group, 2010; Zyga, Kanellopoulos and Bakola, 2010). Community-based health programs Health information and advice should be able to reach all members of the community. Public libraries and places of worship are good starts in disseminating information down to the community level. Ensure presence of healthcare providers Around the country, the National Health Service has already been finding it difficult to fill out jobs in the healthcare sector. As a result, areas that have the highest level of need may be the ones with poor access to doctors or any healthcare providers. Funding for new health facilities and a stable financial support for caregivers of the ageing population should be made a priority. It must be the goal to provide general practitioners that will be available all days of the week, with extended working hours and services, such as conducting minor surgery. A diagnostic center with blood tests and x-ray machines must also be available within the locality. If imposed the disabled, young children and those working at odd shifts can have more flexibility in terms of availing their healthcare needs (Johnson, 2010). Facilitating local and regional partnerships to support healthcare delivery Because the whole of the country is experiencing a slow pace in economy, the government needs to engage the private sector in the cause of solving health inequalities (Johnson, 2010). Their help is most needed in the abovementioned building of new health facilities and ample compensation of healthcare providers. References Bell, C., n. d. Map of KT18 5NU postcode. [online]. Available at: Bell, C., n. d. Map of KT20 5TH postcode. [online]. Available at: Bell, C., n. d. Map of KT20 5JE postcode. [online]. Available at: Bell, C., n. d. Map of SM7 3HH postcode. [online]. Available at: Bell, C., n. d. Map ofSM7 2BQ postcode. [online]. Available at: Department of Communities and Local Government, National Health Service and Office of National Statistics, 2010. COPD Prevalence 2009-2010. UK: National Health Service. Department of Communities and Local Government, National Health Service and Office of National Statistics, 2010. Diabetes Prevalence 2009-2010. UK: National Health Service. Global Health Equity Group. 2010. Fair Society, Healthy Lives: A Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England Post-2010 (The Marmot Review). London: UCL Institute of Health Equity Johnson, B., 2010. The London Health Inequalities Strategy. London: Greater London Authority. Mackenbach, J. P., Meerding, W. J., and Kunst, A. E., 2007. Economic implications of socio-economic inequalities in health in the European Union. Rotterdam, Netherlands: Department of Public Health Office of National Statistics, 2009. Estimated Resident Population by Ethnic Group, UK: Office of National Statistics Office of National Statistics, 2009. Fertility Rates for Surrey County, UK: Office of National Statistics Office of National Statistics, 2009. Stratification by age of 2009 Surrey County Population, UK: Office of National Statistics Office of National Statistics, 2010. 2010 Surrey County Population, UK: Office of National Statistics Owusu, A., 2012. JSNA Chapter: Health Inequalities. [online]. Available at: Owusu, A., 2012. JSNA Chapter: Priority Places. [online]. Available at: Sawyer, L., 2012. JSNA Chapter: Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2010. [online]. Available at: Vamplew, T., 2012. JSNA Chapter: Ethnicity. [online]. Available at: Zyga, S. 2010. Strategies on Reducing Social Inequalities in Health Care. Choregia, 6, 53-64 Read More