Addressing health inequalities
What Are Health Inequalities?
Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in health between groups of people.
These differences happen because of many connected factors, such as where people live, their income, or their access to services.
The main causes of health inequalities include:
- Living conditions, such as housing, education, and income.
- Access to health and care services, which is not equal for everyone.
- Personal choices, often shaped by social and environmental factors.
Health inequalities can be seen in many ways, such as:
- Differences in health outcomes between people with different incomes or ethnic backgrounds.
- Unequal access to healthcare depending on where people live.
For community and mental health services, these inequalities might show up as:
- Uneven access to the care people need.
- Services not available to everyone.
- Different experiences when using health services.
These issues can lead to worse health outcomes for some groups.
To fully understand health inequalities, we must look at the bigger picture. Differences in health are linked to social, environmental, and economic conditions in local communities.
Tackling these issues requires teamwork to give everyone a fair chance at good health.
Our Health Inequalities Strategy 2024 to 2026 sets out how we will work with our community to provide equitable and accessible health services for all.