Last day at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG. Here’s 7 lessons I’ve learnt about addressing #healthinequalities in local health care organisations #NHS

1. There’s a difference between health CARE inequalities and health OUTCOME inequalities – health care organisations should focus on the inequalities under their responsibility and influence. (1/7)

2. If everyone is happy with the actions on health inequalities, it’s not going far enough – really change is uncomfortable and results in redistribution of resources. (2/7)

3. Framing is key – starting off a conversation about differences in life expectancy can leave people feeling powerless but showing local inequalities in health care provision makes it more achievable. (3/7)

4. Avoid the temptation to promise the world through downstream individual interventions which may actually increase inequalities – focus on issues like funding allocation, distribution of workforce, equitable decision making, organisational culture and leadership. (4/7)

5. Consensus is needed on what is and isn’t health inequalities or else it means different things to different people. We promoted three groups – socio-economic, disadvantaged and inclusion health. (5/7)

6. A data driven approach is key, if people can’t see what inequality we’re trying to narrow it becomes too nebulous. (6/7)

7. While local actions can make a difference, we need a cross-government National Health Inequalities Strategy to see real change. (7/7)