Poverty worsening the nation's health
Latest research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) found that poverty is worsening the nation’s health.
The research found a direct correlation between poverty and emergency admissions to hospital. JRF says that the research provides proof of what clinicians and poverty experts have been seeing: that people living in poverty experience greater illness, find it harder to access treatment and die earlier than the rest of the population.
Key findings:
- Hospital data shows a direct correlation between higher levels of deprivation and higher emergency admissions.
- 30% of people living in the most deprived areas have turned to 999, 111, A&E or a walk-in centre because they couldn’t get a GP appointment, compared to just 10% of people in the least deprived areas.
- The stay in critical care beds has increased among more deprived groups.
Politicians need to get serious about tackling hardship
Paul Kissack, Chief Executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said “As we approach a general election, any political leader serious about turning the tide on worsening health in our country, and protecting the NHS, needs to get serious about tackling poverty and hardship.
“And improving the nation’s health goes well beyond the NHS. We live in a country where millions of people – including a million children – face destitution, going without essentials such as food, toothpaste or warm clothes. This scale of hardship risks a mounting catastrophe for the nation’s health.”
“For the sake of people’s dignity, their health and to protect their NHS, it is time for political leaders to get serious about tackling hardship – addressing poverty as the essential foundation for improving the nation’s health and wellbeing.”
If you’re struggling
If you have a long-term health condition that prevents you from working, you may be entitled to financial help.
Find out what support you can claim by using our free benefits calculator.
You can also read up on the financial help that’s available in our guide on disability, sickness and carer benefits.
Lydia Bell-Jones
With a background in banking, Lydia has been writing professionally for over five years. She is passionate about helping people improve their personal finances and has a particular interest in the connection between money and mental health.
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