NHS Trusts Report Health Decline Due to Cost of Living Crisis
A survey by NHS Providers reveals 96% of NHS trusts in England report worsening health due to the cost of living crisis. The research highlights specific challenges such as increased hospital admissions of those struggling financially and higher demand for mental health services. There is a call for sustained funding and a comprehensive strategy to address health inequalities.
Research conducted by NHS Providers between February and March 2024 reveals that 96% of NHS trusts surveyed across England observed worsening health in their areas due to the cost of living crisis.
Leaders from 72 NHS trusts, representing one-third of all trusts in England, participated in the survey.
The trusts included acute, mental health, ambulance, and community sectors.
More than half of the surveyed trusts reported a 'significant' health decline and expressed concern over insufficient funding to address health inequalities.
Specific challenges include increased hospital admissions of individuals unable to afford proper nutrition or heating and a surge in demand for mental health services.
Alex Whitfield, CEO of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, noted the strain on both patients and staff, as well as efforts to partner with non-NHS entities to improve health outcomes.
Saffron Cordery, Deputy CEO of NHS Providers, emphasized the urgent need for sustained, protected funding for health inequality initiatives.
Hannah Davies, Executive Director at Health Equity North, called for a cross-government health inequalities strategy to address broader determinants like poverty, housing, and employment.
The government aims to reduce health disparities through NHS England and other strategies targeting major health conditions.
Leaders from 72 NHS trusts, representing one-third of all trusts in England, participated in the survey.
The trusts included acute, mental health, ambulance, and community sectors.
More than half of the surveyed trusts reported a 'significant' health decline and expressed concern over insufficient funding to address health inequalities.
Specific challenges include increased hospital admissions of individuals unable to afford proper nutrition or heating and a surge in demand for mental health services.
Alex Whitfield, CEO of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, noted the strain on both patients and staff, as well as efforts to partner with non-NHS entities to improve health outcomes.
Saffron Cordery, Deputy CEO of NHS Providers, emphasized the urgent need for sustained, protected funding for health inequality initiatives.
Hannah Davies, Executive Director at Health Equity North, called for a cross-government health inequalities strategy to address broader determinants like poverty, housing, and employment.
The government aims to reduce health disparities through NHS England and other strategies targeting major health conditions.
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