Health Inequalities | Yorkshire Coast & Wolds PCN Yorkshire Coast & Wolds Primary Care Network
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Yorkshire Coast & Wolds

Primary Care Network

A fresh look at Health

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HEALTH INEQUALITIES

Why Health Inequalities are important

Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in people’s health, access to care and opportunities to live a healthy life. Yorkshire Coast and Wolds PCN serves Hornsea, Driffield, Leven, Beeford and many surrounding villages, where communities can experience different challenges.

The latest East Riding evidence identifies:

  • Poorer health outcomes, greater disability and more long-term illness in some coastal communities, including Hornsea.
  • Longer journeys, limited public transport and reduced access to services in rural areas.
    Social isolation, loneliness and digital-connectivity difficulties.
  • The effects of low income, insecure employment, fuel poverty, housing and limited access to affordable healthy food.
  • Higher risks of conditions including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness in some coastal communities.
  • Additional challenges for older people, carers and people living with several health conditions

How we are working to reduce inequalities

Our four practices work with NHS, council, community and voluntary organisations to understand local needs and provide support earlier.

Local work includes using population-health information to identify communities experiencing poorer outcomes or barriers to care. Patients may be invited for health checks, screening, vaccinations and reviews of long-term conditions. Prevention work includes identifying high blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, supporting healthier weight and helping people to stop smoking.

Social prescribing can connect patients with community groups, welfare advice, practical assistance and support with loneliness or isolation. Mental-health and wellbeing services provide further help for people whose circumstances are affecting their health.

Through the Yorkshire Coast and Wolds Neighbourhood Health Partnership, local organisations are developing coordinated services around the needs of coastal, town and rural communities. The aim is to provide appropriate care closer to home, improve early diagnosis and make access to health and wellbeing support fairer for everyone.