Health inequalities webinar, held on 2 December 2024.

This webinar highlighted the importance of written and verbal communication in improving access to and experiences of services, particularly for individuals who are more likely to experience health inequalities. We shared examples from two trusts that are implementing initiatives to become health literate organisations.

Chair
Saffron Cordery – interim chief executive, NHS Providers

Speakers

Dr Mike Oliver – health psychologist

Simon Watts – public health consultant, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Ryan Swiers – public health consultant, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, and health literacy lead, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB)

Abdul Hamied – deputy director, healthcare inequalities improvement programme, NHS England

Watch back to:

• Hear Mike outline the definitions of organisational health literacy and personal health literacy. He outlines key traits of health literate organisations and the benefits of embedding this work, including focusing on culture and co-producing approaches with staff and communities.
• Hear Simon discuss the work of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which has involved an audit of the trust's health communications and the development of an organisational action plan. The approach includes health literacy champions, a community of practice and updating key letters and leaflets.
• Hear Ryan explain the work of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, which has created a detailed implementation plan, with a focus on written communications and training of staff. The trust aims to embed health literacy throughout the work of the organisation, including the development of standards. Ryan also discussed work across the system and region on health literacy.
• Hear Abdul reflect on each of the case studies and how this links to NHS England's national priorities in relation to addressing health inequalities.
• Listen to the Q&A where delegates asked questions on:
  • How stakeholders and communities are involved in health literacy work.
  • How health literacy links to goals around digitisation.
  • The practicalities and processes of updating health information.

Resources

• Download the presentation slides here.
• NHS England – Health literacy toolkit.
• NHS England – Health literacy resources (including case studies and e-learning).
• Addressing health inequalities through health literacy (PDF).
• Geodata – Health literacy: prevalence estimates for local authorities.
• Patient Information Forum – Knowledge is power report.
• NHS England – Inclusive digital healthcare framework.