I was recently asked to join an ‘in conversation’ panel for the ‘Integrating Healthcare Seminar’ in London which focussed on improving population health and addressing health disparities. I was specifically invited to discuss the critical topic of health inequalities in coastal communities and strategies to mitigate them.
The compelling case study which featured prominently in the Chief Medical Officer's 2021 annual report highlighted the pronounced health disparities in Hastings, and in other coastal communities nationwide. Professor Whitty's report provided robust evidence which bolstered my determination to campaign for local and national policy reforms. To create a positive environment for healthier lives among our residents, it is imperative that we address the underlying social factors affecting our health: supporting and strengthening families, ensuring access to affordable housing, enhancing transportation networks, improving educational opportunities, and fostering better employment prospects.
Numerous emails to me from residents highlight the barriers they encounter while trying to access healthcare and essential medical services. As a result, I initiated a survey campaign earlier this year to highlight the persistent shortage of NHS dentists and GPs in our local community.
Health Education England’s analysis for the above-mentioned report found that despite coastal communities having an older and a more deprived population, they have 14.6% fewer postgraduate medical trainees, 15% fewer consultants, and 7.4% fewer nurses per patient compared to inland counterparts. Recruitment and retention of staff are not just local challenges and whilst I welcome the recently announced NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and HEE's current and future plans for medical education reforms, urgent attention must be given towards the coastal deficit in medical, nursing, and social care training places. As a result, I am advocating strongly for the establishment of a nursing and social care college in Hastings. Such an institution is indispensable given the high demand for these professional services in East Sussex and because ‘where you train is where you stay’ often influences where people decide to live, work, and raise a family.
Despite the health benefits of living near the coast, it is disheartening to note that many individuals in these communities experience shorter lives marked by poorer health. Shockingly, coastal residents are 17% more likely to experience early, yet preventable, mortality compared to their inland counterparts. More needs to be done as regards prevention, and preventative measures need to be highlighted – the low uptake of preventive health services, including screenings, is a prevalent issue not only in Hastings but also in other coastal towns and cities. I welcome the ongoing inquiry by the Health Select Committee into prevention in health and social care, particularly with health inequalities occupying a central position in the discussions.
The impacts of these health disparities are far-reaching, but with focussed support, these challenges can be overcome, leading to a healthier future for all our residents. A comprehensive approach is needed, focussing on prevention through education and improving access to healthcare services. I am delighted that Hastings is getting a new community diagnostic centre, providing thousands of residents’ quicker access to scans, tests and checks. By bringing medical services closer to the community, we reduce the barriers faced by individuals who struggle to access care due to transportation challenges or limited resources.
Education plays a crucial role in combating health disparities. It is essential to arm residents with knowledge about preventive care, healthy lifestyle choices, and early intervention. To this end, I campaign for comprehensive health education programs in schools; equipping individuals from a young age with the tools to make informed decisions about their well-being holds the key to reducing the burden of disease.
Collaborative partnerships are key, and the establishment of Integrated Care Systems under the Health and Care Act 2022 bring together NHS organisations, local authorities, community and voluntary organisations, residents, and other stakeholders to take collective responsibility for planning services, improving health, and reducing inequalities locally. By nurturing these partnerships, we can develop community-driven initiatives tailored to the unique needs of coastal communities. This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions devised are sustainable, culturally sensitive, and inclusive, leaving no individual behind.
I continue to campaign for a future where every resident, regardless of their address, has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.