PRESS RELEASE

08-01-08

The Federation of Irish Societies has welcomed the UK Government's new health initiatives announced last week.

Responding to Prime Minister Gordon Brown's announcement that screening for heart disease, stroke and other illnesses would become available on the NHS, FIS Chair Dr Mary Tilki said:

"Following our high profile health conference last year, FIS has been campaigning hard to get the UK Government to recognise the really high levels of heart disease and stroke within the Irish community. We've particularly been lobbying the Department of Health and the NHS to make health promotion and early intervention - which includes screening - a priority. It is important now that they ensure that Irish people are included as at 'at-risk' group and given the attention and provision needed to address this health crisis in our community."

The Irish community suffer from the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in men and women of all ethnic groups, and have a greatly increased risk of heart disease. Even more worryingly, the Irish have the highest rates of stroke amongst all ethnic minority communities, and far higher than the White British population.

FIS Health Development Officer, Conor McGinn said:

"As well as campaigning for the Government to act, we've also been working within the Irish community and with Irish organisations to inform people about the increased risks of heart disease and stroke. The Irish smoke significantly more than other communities, and also drink to excess, and when coupled with a lack of exercise and a poor diet it can only lead to bad health and serious illnesses. FIS have distributed a range of health promotional material through Britain, particularly about smoking cessation, and we'll be launching a further drive to encourage people to give up the cigarettes during Lent."

Dr Tilki concluded:

"Following the recent announcements, FIS has written to the Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, requesting a meeting. We want to discuss ways in which the Irish community sector can work with the Department of Health to address the key health problems in our community, and to bring to his attention the important funding and provision issues raised by our affiliates. We will continue to press for adequate health provision for the Irish whilst at the same time working within our own community to communicate the healthy living and health promotion message."

ENDS