NHS reforms must take account of health inequalities

Published by Danny Calogero for Fellows Associates in Health and also in Central Government, Local Government

The government’s plans for NHS reform must consider the wider issue of health inequalities if patients are to receive better services for less, says Northgate Public Services today in a response to the government’s listening exercise.

In its current form, the Health and Social Care Bill includes details on eradicating inequalities in the provision of care. Northgate says that government plans must address the root causes of poor health by considering areas such as education and housing. Without such an approach, there is concern that much of the work of the NHS will be undermined by persistent health inequalities in local communities.

Northgate’s response also highlights the need for high quality, joined up information around public health, the NHS and social care. By bringing these strands of information closer together, the organisations says the new GP commissioning consortia and local authorities will be better able to identify the needs of their communities and tackle health inequalities. 

The provision of information is also key to encouraging citizens to become actively engaged in their own care. Research has shown that there are health and also financial benefits to be achieved by encouraging active citizens and Northgate suggests that this approach will be key to the overall success of the health reforms.

Iain McLachlan, Managing Director, Northgate Public Services said today: “We completely support the government in its ambition to achieve healthcare outcomes that are among the best in Europe. However, we believe that if this vision is to become a reality, the proposed reforms must take a holistic view of well-being and look at the root causes of poor health. This will involve breaking down operational silos and working with other services to ensure that health inequalities are tackled at their source.”

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