Health Services: Equality

The United Kingdom faces significant health inequalities, with life expectancy and healthy life expectancy varying widely both within and between communities. Through our 10-Year Health Plan, we are committed to tackling the social determinants of health, improving healthy life expectancy for everyone and halving the gap between the richest and poorest regions.

The 10-Year Health Plan sets out that integrated care boards (ICBs) will be strategic commissioners of local health services, ensuring that the money available to each local care system is put to the best possible use: to improve their population’s health, reduce health inequalities and improve access to consistently high-quality services. They are expected to draw on a deep understanding of population need and will need to shape commissioning plans through deep engagement with patients and the public.

Specialised services are commissioned by NHS England rather than ICBs. The need to support patient access and reduce health inequalities plays a key role in decision making as to where and how NHS England commission services.

A range of strategies has been implemented, and continues to be developed, to remove barriers to access including: remote appointments, shared care models, outreach, education and training, and support with travel and accommodation. In line with its commitment under the Government’s Rare Disease Action Plan, NHS England has developed and published a health inequalities toolkit which has been shared with clinical teams to support a continued focus.