NHS South Yorkshire launches five-year plan to address health inequalities

NHS partners across the region have launched a five-year plan in a bid to help tackle “unfair” health inequalities in communities.

NHS South Yorkshire has published the “NHS Five Year Joint Forward Plan” and is inviting people to share their views on what is most important to keep people healthy and ensure everyone has equal access to healthcare across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

The plan has been developed in partnership with the region’s hospitals, local councils and voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and includes seven focus areas including improving access to primary care (GPs, pharmacists, optometrists and dentists), transforming mental health services, and recovering urgent and emergency care, including developing alternatives to A&E.

The plan is a response to the Integrated Care Strategy for South Yorkshire, co-produced and published earlier this year by the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Partnerships which includes the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority.

Commenting on the plan, Gavin Boyle, chief executive at NHS South Yorkshire, said: “On average people in South Yorkshire live shorter lives and spend more years in poor health than other parts of the country.

“There are differences in the experience of health and care services and health outcomes for some of our communities which are unfair and must be tackled.

“This plan seeks to do this.

“The recovery of health services following the pandemic will continue to be a priority, so that local people can access the care and support they need in a timely way.

“However, we will put greater emphasis on working alongside our neighbourhoods to promote good health and prevent illness.”

NHS South Yorkshire has also engaged with local people to get them involved in the plan.

Last year, the organisation asked: “What matters to you about your health and wellbeing?” and 2,500 responded highlighting areas of importance including accessibility and affordability.

Mr Boyle added: “We are listening to our partners and our communities and we will continue to develop our plan in response.”

The full report and a summary version is available at www.tinyurl.com/NHSSYPlan.

Anyone wishing to comment should email [email protected] by the end of July.