Glasgow GP Dr David Blane is tackling health inequalities head-on, working with patients in deprived communities. He notes that these patients develop long-term conditions 10 to 15 years earlier than those in wealthier areas.
Dr Blane’s organisation, GPs at the Deep End, is piloting new strategies to reduce healthcare inequalities. One approach is extending all appointments to 15 minutes, which helps with empathy and managing multiple problems.
However, Dr Blane argues that continuity of care is the most important factor, as it saves lives and facilitates better access and health outcomes. He criticises the emphasis on rapid access to treatment over the last 10-15 years, saying it is not suitable for all cases.
Dr Blane is also evaluating new family wellbeing support workers in Glasgow, who link patients to services like money advice and trauma counselling. This model creates “sticky” engagement with patients who might otherwise drop out of the system.
According to Dr Blane, this approach could be replicated across the country, tackling health inequalities and improving outcomes. The NHS is under pressure to deliver better health, and innovative approaches like these may be part of the solution.
The NHS faces significant challenges in addressing health inequalities, but initiatives like GPs at the Deep End offer hope for improvement. As the NHS continues to evolve, it is likely that more emphasis will be placed on preventative care and community-based support.
With the NHS under scrutiny, doctors like Dr Blane are working to find new solutions to old problems. By focusing on continuity of care and community-based support, they may be able to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.
As the UK’s health service looks to the future, it is clear that a new approach is needed. By learning from initiatives like GPs at the Deep End, the NHS can work towards a more equitable and effective healthcare system.
