Health inequalities are differences in health across the population, and between different groups in society, that are systematic, unfair, and avoidable. They are caused by the conditions in which we are born, live, work and grow. These conditions influence how we think, feel and act and can affect both our physical and mental health and wellbeing (NICE, 2024).
For further information on which groups experience health inequalities, the effects of health inequalities and factors that determine health and wellbeing, have a look at the NICE and health inequalities resources here.
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Improving population health and reducing health inequalities is a core purpose of Integrated Care Systems as set out in the Health and Care Act 2022. This includes a new statutory duty for the NHS to reduce inequalities in access, outcome, and experience.
Guidance issued by NHS England in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, set out eight urgent actions for tackling health inequalities. This was later refined to five key priority areas which underpin the work of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme (HiQiP). These include:
- Restoring NHS services inclusively
- Mitigating against digital exclusion
- Ensuring datasets are complete and timely
- Accelerating preventative programmes
- Strengthening leadership and accountability