Health inequalities are the right focus

Responding to the government’s plans to address health inequalities, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, said:

"The secretary of state is absolutely right to focus on tackling health inequalities.

"It is important to ensure a fair funding deal for the most deprived communities, with support to help more people stay well.

"Trusts are playing a key role in generating the savings that will help underpin this commitment and are at the forefront of work to improve prevention.

"We look forward to seeing the details of any new funding approach in the 10 Year Health Plan. 

"They will need to reflect the ongoing financial and operational pressures trusts face as they work to ensure the quality and safety of care. 

"Our recent survey highlighted trust leaders’ concerns over the impact of ongoing financial pressures.

"While the NHS must and will play its part in addressing health inequalities, it’s important to recognise that the causes of ill health lie predominantly in wider societal issues including education, housing and transport.

"Therefore it’s vital that we see a concerted and coordinated push across national and local government to deliver better health for all."