New research gives early indication that devolution positively impacts health outcomes

By GM Moving | 13 October 2022 | TAGS:

A new academic paper has given an early indication on the benefits of devolution suggesting that ongoing partnership working has positive influenced health outcomes in Greater Manchester.

The paper, published in the Lancet Public Health, covers the period of work delivered from a ground-breaking plan published in 2015: ‘Taking Charge of Health and Social Care in Greater Manchester’.

The peer-review research, conducted by the University of Manchester, showed that life expectancy in Greater Manchester improved quicker than in comparable areas between 2016 and 2019.

Researchers found that in eight out of ten areas life expectancy was 0.2 years higher than expected in comparison to trends seen prior to the devolution agreement.

The rise was higher for males, and larger in areas with low income, with improvements believed to be, in part, due to wider partnerships and closer system-working across public and voluntary sectors.

Responding to the report, Exec Lead of GM Moving, Hayley Lever, said:

“This is a welcome report for Greater Manchester with positive signs about the reduction of health inequalities in the period following devolution.

“Physical activity is a contributing factor to health outcomes and physical inactivity rates during this period (2016-2019) were reducing at over twice the rate experienced nationally.

“Post pandemic, we need to redouble our efforts in ensuring active lives supports a swift recovery, rates of people returning to physical activity are already ahead of the national trend

“This paper offers further hope and optimism as we work together to recover from the pandemic.

“The GM Moving in Action strategy has widespread engagement across the system, with thousands of organisations playing their part in enabling active lives for all.

“Enabling everyone to move more, and reap the many benefits of that, is complex with many interacting influences. Everyone has a part to play and working together is vital.

“People from across Greater Manchester will continue to play a significant part in our regions’ approach to improving health and addressing inequalities.

“GM Moving partners remain determined to involve diverse perspectives as well as new and developing methods to tackle inactivity and encourage anyone with an interest in our efforts to get in contact.”