Tackling health inequalities is a key priority across the healthcare system. There is a growing movement and remit to understand and address these inequalities, disparities, and wider determinants that can impact people’s ability to lead healthy lives.
NHS England released a specification called "Tackling Neighbourhood Health Inequalities 2023/24" to reduce health inequalities within primary care. This specification requires Primary Care Networks to identify a population within their area experiencing inequality in health provision and outcomes. In response to this, Hounslow's five PCNs have developed an intervention plan to tackle the unmet needs of a defined population.
- The Primary Care Network (PCN) will analyse good quality robust data to identify a group that is experiencing health inequality.
- The PCN's will work together with the community to understand their needs, determine the expected outcomes of the intervention, and establish a plan to measure those outcomes.
Chiswick PCN
- The goal is to enhance the well-being of individuals living with anxiety or depression in lower socio-economic groups. The PCN aims to achieve this by using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) questionnaire to assess the improvement of scores before and after the intervention. The team will provide a holistic health review, encouraging exercise and increased physical activity to enhance mood, improve energy levels, and advise on tools to improve their well-being.
Hounslow Health PCN
- Improve the management of high blood pressure and the detection of undiagnosed hypertensive patients living within the PCN two Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA), with the most deprived 20% of the national population as identified by the National Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).
Feltham and Bedfont PCN
- Improve the health and well-being of elderly socially isolated over 65 residents living within the PCN five Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA), with the most deprived 20% of the national population as identified by the National Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).
Brentworth PCN
- To improve access to general practice services for all residents, especially those living in the five Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOA) with the most deprived 20% of the national population, as identified by the National Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). To achieve this, the PCN will identify the barriers that prevent these residents from accessing healthcare. Through patient engagement events and questionnaires, the PCN will gather patient insights to understand the local population's needs better and shape an intervention that addresses these needs.
Great-West Road PCN
- To improve the health of people living in the area with diabetes, asthma, or mental health issues. The PCN will use digital tools (blogs, videos, webinars, podcasts and social media content) developed by the PCT to support their patients. Alternative support from the PCN's wider team will be made available to help people who lack the confidence and skills to use digital health services and information, via local programmes.
For more information about Directed Enhanced Service 'Tackling Neighbourhood Health Inequalities', please get in touch with Angela McKenzie at angela.mckenzie@nhs.net