Child health inequalities: Hospitals urged to consider targeted interventions

NHS trusts should consider making targeted interventions to tackle child health inequalities which are being exacerbated by current pressures on the system, a report has recommended.The report from NHS Providers1 said the focus on reducing health inequalities in the NHS—both in research and clinical delivery—has largely been targeted at older age groups. It urged trusts to shift their attention to children and young people, given the evidence of growing health inequalities in this age group.“The inequalities that develop in early years can become embedded across the life course, potentially storing up problems for individuals and for NHS services,” the report says. “Providing high quality services for children and young people can prevent ill health in later life, creating healthier societies and reducing demand for services.”Almost a third of children in the UK currently live in poverty and are at risk of experiencing poorer health outcomes, the report said. Examples of…
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