Preventable inequalities in health are unacceptable in a leading world city and have huge economic and social consequences, according to London mayor Ken Livingstone.
His draft blueprint for tackling health inequalities in the capital, Living Well in London, recommends improved access to primary care and other NHS services and calls for action to break the link between mental illness and unemployment.
The document will go to the London Assembly for consultation before public consultation later this year.
The draft document follows Mr Livingstone's response to last July's report by the now junior health minister Lord Darzi on the future of healthcare in the capital. Mr Livingstone said he supported all NHS efforts to shift resources towards London's most deprived people and that for some services the report "makes a compelling argument in favour of concentrating services" to improve quality and save more lives.
NHS London has asked the London Health Commission to carry out an equalities assessment and a health inequalities impact assessments on Lord Darzi's proposals. Commission co-ordinator Gail Findlay said it will initially concentrate on maternity services, primary care and stroke services. A report will be published in March.
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