Rise in Victorian Diseases Among Patients Raises Alarm Among UK Doctors
Doctors report increasing cases of scabies and other conditions linked to poverty as health inequalities grow.
Recently released findings indicate a concerning rise in patients presenting with Victorian diseases, including scabies and erysipelas, prompting calls from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) for the UK government to intensify efforts to combat poverty.
A survey conducted with 882 medical professionals found that 89% expressed concern regarding the detrimental impact of health inequalities on their patients, with 72% observing an uptick in patients with illnesses associated with substandard housing conditions, air pollution, and inadequate transportation access over the past three months.
The survey revealed that 46% of respondents reported that at least half of their patient load consisted of cases directly connected to social factors.
One physician noted an increase in cases of scabies, a contagious skin condition caused by mites, while another highlighted a rise in patients struggling with nutritional deficits due to financial hardship, which can lead to prolonged and complicated recoveries from acute illnesses.
Reports of hypothermia have also surfaced, attributed to patients' inability to afford adequate heating in their homes.
Dr. Ash Bassi, a consultant gastroenterologist based in Prescot, Merseyside, articulated the challenges faced by patients living in damp and cold housing conditions, where chronic respiratory illnesses are prevalent.
Bassi emphasized that food insecurity is compounding health issues, with inadequate nutrition contributing to long-term health complications.
Moreover, the survey indicated that poor participation in health screening programs further aggravates existing health disparities.
Many patients facing financial challenges or unstable employment often postpone seeking medical assistance, resulting in more severe health conditions by the time they do present to healthcare providers.
Dr. John Dean, clinical vice-president of the Royal College of Physicians, stressed the urgency of addressing the social determinants of health.
He noted that the UK government had previously committed to bold initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of illness, including housing quality, employment opportunities, tobacco use, obesity rates, and air quality.
Dean warned of the projected increase of over 2.5 million individuals in England anticipated to be living with significant illnesses by 2040, reinforcing the necessity for immediate action.
In response to the RCP's recommendations, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care affirmed the government’s commitment to tackling healthcare inequalities.
They noted the goal to halve the disparity in healthy life expectancy between the wealthiest and poorest regions in England.
The spokesperson emphasized the government's focus on shifting from a reactive healthcare model to one emphasizing preventative measures, which plays a crucial role in addressing inequalities, enhancing public health, and alleviating pressures on the National Health Service (NHS).
A survey conducted with 882 medical professionals found that 89% expressed concern regarding the detrimental impact of health inequalities on their patients, with 72% observing an uptick in patients with illnesses associated with substandard housing conditions, air pollution, and inadequate transportation access over the past three months.
The survey revealed that 46% of respondents reported that at least half of their patient load consisted of cases directly connected to social factors.
One physician noted an increase in cases of scabies, a contagious skin condition caused by mites, while another highlighted a rise in patients struggling with nutritional deficits due to financial hardship, which can lead to prolonged and complicated recoveries from acute illnesses.
Reports of hypothermia have also surfaced, attributed to patients' inability to afford adequate heating in their homes.
Dr. Ash Bassi, a consultant gastroenterologist based in Prescot, Merseyside, articulated the challenges faced by patients living in damp and cold housing conditions, where chronic respiratory illnesses are prevalent.
Bassi emphasized that food insecurity is compounding health issues, with inadequate nutrition contributing to long-term health complications.
Moreover, the survey indicated that poor participation in health screening programs further aggravates existing health disparities.
Many patients facing financial challenges or unstable employment often postpone seeking medical assistance, resulting in more severe health conditions by the time they do present to healthcare providers.
Dr. John Dean, clinical vice-president of the Royal College of Physicians, stressed the urgency of addressing the social determinants of health.
He noted that the UK government had previously committed to bold initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of illness, including housing quality, employment opportunities, tobacco use, obesity rates, and air quality.
Dean warned of the projected increase of over 2.5 million individuals in England anticipated to be living with significant illnesses by 2040, reinforcing the necessity for immediate action.
In response to the RCP's recommendations, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care affirmed the government’s commitment to tackling healthcare inequalities.
They noted the goal to halve the disparity in healthy life expectancy between the wealthiest and poorest regions in England.
The spokesperson emphasized the government's focus on shifting from a reactive healthcare model to one emphasizing preventative measures, which plays a crucial role in addressing inequalities, enhancing public health, and alleviating pressures on the National Health Service (NHS).
