Professor Ian Bruce, Pro Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Medicine Health and Life Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, chaired a panel discussion at the Ulster Unionist Party Conference on 28 September 2024.

Alongside fellow academics Dr Liam O'Hare and Dr Nigel Hart, they discussed how the wider social, economic, and environmental determinants of health can be drivers of health inequalities, with other crises, such as the cost-of-living crisis, widening and intensifying the health gap. These disparities affect life expectancy, quality of life, and access to healthcare services, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities. Tackling health inequalities is crucial for building a healthier, more equitable society. This event aimed to explore the root causes of these inequalities and identify actionable strategies to address them. 

The audience included party MLAs and the former Health Minister Robin Swann MP, engaging with questions and comments to the academics. Health is a key issue for the UUP, with their Party Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA sitting as the Health Minister. 

Alongside the Fringe Event, Queen's University Belfast held a stand in the exhibition space to engage politicians on a wide range of issues.