Chief Medical Officer visits BU for discussion on health inequalities in coastal communities

The official launch of a prospectus to outline interventions to reduce health inequalities in coastal communities took place at Bournemouth University.

The event was attended by Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, alongside representatives of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and healthcare providers across the UK.

The event sought to further conversations on health inequalities following the Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report 2021, which highlighted the need for a national approach to coastal healthcare.

In the 2021 report Professor Whitty said, “This concentration of poor health and wellbeing in coastal communities also provides a clear and geographically defined target for national action. If we could improve the health of coastal communities, the median health for the entire country would be lifted.”

Following the report the Coastal Navigators Network of ICBs and key parties was established to look at interventions to support health equality, using six pilot areas including Portland in Dorset. The launch of the prospectus outlines the next steps for scaling impact and accelerating progress on reducing inequalities in coastal communities.

For more information on the launch event please visit Bournemouth University website.

For more information on the Coastal Navigator’s Network prospectus please visit Rising with the Tide: The Coastal Navigators’ Network First Prospectus – Breaking Barriers Innovations

14/05/2025