UCL INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SOCIETY & HEALTH
*PLEASE BRING THIS INVITE WITH YOU
2008 IISH PUBLIC SEMINAR SERIES
You are invited to attend on:
10 June 2008, Tuesday 5pm – 6pm
London, New York and Glasgow
What works at a City level to tackle Social Determinants of Health ?
Speaker: Professor Sue Atkinson
Abstract:
Addressing SDH at a city level is a critical part of improving health and reducing inequalities. Common themes are
shared between London, New York and Glasgow in trying to address the SDH. It is crucial to have high profile
leadership to break through barriers (e.g. from a deeply committed and respected Mayor). They can use their own
powers and influence to negotiate ‘healthier’ strategies and give a real political edge and visibility, by utilising tools
such as Health Impact Assessments to highlight the trade off of costs and benefits.
There is a question as to whether health inequalities are a natural state within an urbanised market economy,
leaving the public sector to mollify and manage strong countervailing forces. At an urban level, the biggest policy
drivers seem to be economic growth, with education and housing also important.
It is crucial to recognise the power of the individual to change his/her environment. More needs to be done to
empower individuals and communities materially, psychosocially and politically. A lot can be learned from
innovative public sector schemes (such as New York’s Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme) where power has been
transferred from the government to the individual.
This seminar will explore what has been done in three cities; London, New York and Glasgow and willdraw out the
similarities and differences, barriers, levers and enablers to improving health and reducing inequalities by
addressing social determinants.
The work contributes to the Commission on Social Determinants of Health established by WHO.
Professor Sue Atkinson is a Visiting Professor at University College London. She led the work between the three
cities. She now works as an independent Public Health Consultant and is on various Boards as a Non-Executive,
including University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She was the London Regional Director of Public
Health, until 2006 and developed the role as Health Advisor to the Mayor. She was instrumental in setting up the
London Health Commission and in developing Health Impact Assessment as a tool to influence London wide
strategies such as those on transport and economic development, demonstrating their importance to the health of
Londoners.
This seminar will be held at UCL, it is free, but space is limited (75 SEATS). NO NEED TO RSVP . Arrive promptly
to secure a seat. Please contact us if you have any special needs. The seminar will be held at UCL in the
Basement Lecture Theatre, UCL, 1 – 19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, Entrance opposite Planet
Organic. Nearest Underground station Goodge St. Email: iish@ucl.ac.uk Refreshments at 6pm after the seminar.
You may access audio recording of our some past seminars at:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/iish/seminars.htm