Bridging the Gap: Tackling the Growing Divide in Health Inequalities
Healthcare in the UK is facing a silent crisis, one that is growing in severity and complexity. Health inequalities, exacerbated by socio-economic factors, are leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases and poor health outcomes.
Cassie Kendrew
Published 07 April 2025
Clinical research
Recent reports have painted a troubling picture. The resurgence of conditions long associated with deprivation, such as malnutrition, diabetes and respiratory illnesses, signals a widening gap between those who can readily access healthcare and those who cannot. The impact of social determinants, including transport limitations, food insecurity, and precarious employment, is now impossible to ignore.
A survey conducted by the Royal College of Physicians* found that 89% of 882 doctors surveyed were concerned about the impact of health inequalities on their patients. Additionally, 72% had seen more patients in the past three months with illnesses related to poor-quality housing, air pollution, and access to transport - clear indicators that social factors continue to play a critical role in health outcomes.
Further widening the gap in healthcare inequalities, communities in deprived areas have historically been underrepresented in clinical research. This exclusion has significant implications - when treatments and interventions are not trialled by those most affected, gaps in medical knowledge emerge, leading to less effective care and further perpetuating the gap in health outcomes.
The long-term consequences of these disparities are far-reaching. The NHS is already under immense strain, with rising demand for urgent care and an increasing burden of chronic illnesses. Without targeted interventions to improve access to preventative care and medical advancements, the situation will only worsen, leading to more hospital admissions, poorer patient outcomes, and higher costs for the healthcare system.
Cassie Kendrew, Chief Operating Officer at EMS Healthcare, emphasises the urgency of breaking down barriers to access:
“We know that early detection and treatment are critical for better health outcomes. Yet, too many people face barriers to timely care - whether the cost of travelling to hospital or lengthy wait times for appointments. By the time they do receive care, their conditions are often more severe, requiring more complex and costly interventions.
"Providing healthcare and research closer to people’s homes is not just a matter of convenience - it is a means to ensuring equity in our health system.”
Efforts to address these inequalities must be multi-faceted. Investment in community-based healthcare solutions, enhanced screening programmes, and localised treatment pathways will be essential. By meeting people where they are, healthcare providers can ensure that individuals receive timely interventions, reducing the pressure on acute services and improving overall population health.
Equally, it is vital that clinical research is accessible to those who would benefit most from it, ensuring that location is never a barrier to participation in groundbreaking medical advancements. Clinical research is a fundamental part of improving healthcare outcomes, yet participation is often limited to those who live near major hospitals or have the time and resources to engage. This means that new treatments and medical advancements may not be as effective for diverse populations, reinforcing existing health disparities.
Providing healthcare and research closer to people’s homes is not just a matter of convenience – it is essential for ensuring equity in our health system. By integrating clinical research into community settings, we can ensure that medical advancements reflect the needs of all patients, not just those who can easily access traditional research centre. Expanding access to research is essential to ensuring that medical breakthroughs benefit everyone, not just a select few.
The government has outlined ambitious plans to tackle health inequalities, but action must match intention. Policies must go beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible improvements in access to care, particularly for those in deprived areas.
Without decisive steps to address these growing disparities, the cycle of poor health, late diagnoses, and worsening outcomes will continue. If we are to build a healthier, more resilient nation, we must prioritise accessibility and equity not just in healthcare provision, but in clinical research. Expanding participation opportunities, particularly for those in underserved areas, is a crucial step in closing the gap and ensuring that no one is left behind in the future of medicine.