Health inequalities webinar, held on 24 October 2023.

This webinar explored NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 framework, specifically focusing on 'PLUS' population groups. The session brought together NHS England and trust leaders to discuss implementable solutions for reducing health inequalities. 

Find the presentation slides here.

Hear Nicola Gitsham share information on the launch of NHS England's new inclusion health framework, which provides suggested actions for improving health outcomes for socially excluded groups (such as migrants, sex workers, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and homeless populations). Nicola highlighted the reasons why urgent action is needed to address health inequalities experienced by these groups and shared life expectancy data, which shows inclusion health groups are much more likely to die at earlier ages in comparison to the most deprived groups in England.

Hear Rosie Hollinshead discuss the barriers that inclusion health groups may face when accessing health services. This could include, lack of documentation or fixed address, digital exclusion, literacy, communication and language barriers, lack of trust of services and professionals, and fear of discrimination.

Hear Rosie also share advice for how trusts can improve services for inclusion health groups. Suggestions include providing accessible information, improving data collection to better understand the needs of these groups, staff training, and flexibility in service opening times and length of appointments.

Hear Anne McBrearty explain the approach Central London Community Healthcare Trust have taken to improve services for homeless populations, by providing outreach services within communities to treat minor illnesses, offer screening, and provide signposting advice to onward services. Anne highlighted the importance of building trust with homeless communities. 

Listen to the panel Q&A, where delegates asked questions on:

• how should trusts identify 'PLUS' groups and who should be taking the lead locally on identifying them?
• how do trusts provide continuity of care for homeless and Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities when data sets of individuals are not linked up?
• what national resources are available to support inclusion groups? In particular resources around literacy, support with form filling, and support with routine inquiries
• how trusts can prioritise health inequalities amongst competing pressures?

Resources:

Please find resources below that may be helpful when exploring CORE20PLUS5.

• Our briefing on NHS England's inclusion framework 

• Our blog on NHS England's digital inclusion framework 

• Our previous webinars on Core20PLUS5 focusing on building insights and children and young people

• NHS England's Health Inequalities Improvement Dashboard - accessed via NHS Futures

• Friends, Families & Travellers (FFT's) briefing on Health Inequalities experienced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities 

• FFT's Policy and Publications page for other resources on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities 

• Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust Homeless Health service page 

• VCSE health & wellbeing alliance's VCSE Inclusion Health Audit Tool  

• Homeless link's Homeless Health Needs Audit Tool. 

Chair:

Amber Jabbal – head of policy and strategic projects, NHS Providers 

Speakers:  

Nicola Gitsham – head of healthcare inequalities, improvement and personalisation, NHS England

Rosie Hollinshead – health policy and project coordinator, Friends, Families and Travellers

Anne McBrearty – nurse consultant, homeless health service lead, Central London Community Healthcare Trust