Health inequalities in north east London are stark. The population experiences worse health outcomes than the rest of the country on many key indicators – experiences which have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis
Poverty and deprivation, which are key drivers of health inequalities, are widespread across all of our places in NEL. This this effect, although life expectancy in NEL for males and females is similar to the England average, in some places healthy life expectancy is lower than the England average for both males and females.
Tackling health inequalities and improving the health of the population in north east London is central to our agreed system purpose. Our Integrated Care Partnership Strategy, published in January 2023 with the collaboration of all Place Based Partnerships and Wellbeing Boards identifies tackling health inequalities as a key cross-cutting system priority. This approach acknowledges that health inequalities are everybody’s business. Health inequalities are complex and multifaceted, requiring system partners to work in collaboration to address the avoidable differences in health outcomes between groups of people, thereby achieving fair outcomes for all; health equity.
In line with NHS England’s aims for addressing health inequalities, out work aims to improve access to health care, achieve better experiences of services, and improve health outcomes of our population in NEL.