Lived experience

It comes as no surprise that a review of research into the experience of poverty shows that it is "almost always overwhelmingly negative". Living with Poverty reviews qualitative research over the last ten years on children's and families' experience of poverty. Commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions, the report has a particularly strong focus on setting out children's experiences of poverty.

Older people

A prevention package for older people was launched by DoH on 22 July. Contributing to the Government's age strategy Building a Society for All Ages, these publications form a suite of resources designed to help SHAs, PCOs and local authorities in commissioning services for older people. Amongst the resources just published are a survey of existing entitlements to sight tests, cancer screening and flu vaccinations, along with best practice guidance on falls prevention and fracture management and an update of intermediate care guidance. DoH anticipates that further resources will be added in the future.

Social exclusion

A government study is looking at how socially excluded groups gain access to primary care. The Social Exclusion Task Force (part of the Cabinet Office) is working with DoH on a six month project, assessing how well current services meet the health needs of socially excluded people, as well as exploring tools for improvement. There will be a study published in Autumn 2009; questions and comments can be sent to primaryhealthproject@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk.

Fair care

Please mind the gap, a report from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Parkinson's, highlights inequalities in service provision for people with Parkinson's and their families. The report calls for a review of the National Service Framework for long term neurological conditions in order to assess levels of implementation, along with support for commissioning and workforce planning. In response, the Parkinson's Disease Society has launched a new campaign, Fair Care for Parkinson's.

Information or intelligence?

Dr Foster Intelligence's latest publication in the Intelligent Board series aims at the inequalities agenda. The Intelligent Board 2009: Commissioning to reduce inequalities comes with a web-based toolkit, providing data on hospital admission rates for a range of conditions that are commonly associated with health inequalities, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The gadget is aimed at members of the public as well as Commissioners and other health professionals; it provides reports at PCT and GP practice level.

Marmot review

Consultation on the first phase of the Marmot review of health inequalities opened at the end of June. Questions largely ask for comment on the reports from the nine groups tasked with a survey of the evidence base for social determinants of health. Responses are due in by 5 August. This first phase report will then be published in September 2009.

Minimum standards

The cost of a minimum living standard rose in the past year by about 5%, even with overall prices falling, according to a report published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. First produced in 2008, the Minumum Income Standard Report is based on what members of the public consider necessary for an acceptable standard of living.