NHS Providers responds to Royal College of Physicians poll on cost of living impact on health

17 May 2022

Responding to a Royal College of Physicians survey about the effects of the rising cost of living on people's health, the chief executive of NHS Providers Chris Hopson said:

"Trust leaders are acutely aware of the soaring cost of living crisis facing the nation and the impact rising financial pressures could have on people's health.

"This is particularly concerning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which exposed deeply entrenched social, racial and health inequalities.

"As highlighted in this survey, there is a risk that the current cost of living crisis widens those inequalities.

"Trust leaders share the view that there is an opportunity to tackle the factors which lead to health inequalities and poor health. They have committed time and resource to reducing inequalities across their local communities.

"But progress on this important mission takes concerted, collaborative action locally, supported by commitment nationally, to address pressures on people's living standards.

"It is vital that the forthcoming health disparities white paper focuses on action around the social determinants of health. Anything less would be a missed opportunity."