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Press Release

Health charity welcomes patient voice in Queen's Speech

25 May 2010

In response to the Queen’s Speech on May 25, 2010, Betty McBride, Director of Policy and Communications at the British Heart Foundation, said:

Health Bill – Professionals and patients to have more say

“The Government should be commended for its commitment to shaping a healthcare system which drives up standards of care, includes the voice of the patients and achieves world-class service.

“We now need a bold approach from the new Government to drive down levels of heart disease to the lowest in Western Europe. A renewed strategic approach is vital in tackling the UK’s biggest killer in England.”

Public health measures – Focus on health inequalities

“We are particularly pleased to see focus on ending inequalities.

“For too long people from deprived areas have disproportionately shouldered the burden of heart disease. This has to change. Death rates from heart disease across the country must match those we see in south east England or fall even lower.”

Education and Children’s Bill – Teachers have power to decide curriculum

“We would like to see the new slimmer curriculum giving guidance to head teachers so children are taught important emergency life-saving skills by the time they leave school.

“It would mean a new generation of life-savers on our streets and in our homes.”

Public health measures – People encouraged to take more responsibility

“Heart disease is largely preventable and the new focus on public health is a welcome change.

“However, we can’t forget the Government still has a critical role to play in creating an environment where people can make healthy, informed choices.

“Manufacturers and retailers must be forced to use traffic light colours on front-of-pack labelling and companies should not be able to advertise unhealthy products to young people before a 9pm watershed.”



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