Health inequality: the role of the midwife

Health in the UK is better than it has ever been, having improved steadily for many years. However, it is worrying that the health of those less well-off has been improving at a much slower rate than the rest of the population leading to a widening gap between the health of the wealthiest and the most disadvantaged. Research conducted over the last 30 years, since the publication of the Black Report (Townsend et al 1986), has consistently shown a clear link between social position and health, affecting not just those least well off but demonstrating a graded difference across society. As pointed out in the Marmot Review preventable inequalities are ‘a matter of social justice’ (The Marmot Review Team 2010: p16) and ensuring each child has the best start in life is a fundamental way to reduce such inequalities.