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NHS 'fails' deprived communities | NHS 'fails' deprived communities |
(about 12 hours later) | |
The NHS is failing to deliver in poor areas, a study of general practices in the west of Scotland has found. | The NHS is failing to deliver in poor areas, a study of general practices in the west of Scotland has found. |
Patients had a greater number of psychological problems, more long-term illnesses and a wider variety of chronic health problems. | Patients had a greater number of psychological problems, more long-term illnesses and a wider variety of chronic health problems. |
Consultations were shorter than in affluent areas and doctors reported being under greater stress. | Consultations were shorter than in affluent areas and doctors reported being under greater stress. |
The University of Glasgow study looked at 26 practices and questioned more than 3,000 patients and their doctors. | The University of Glasgow study looked at 26 practices and questioned more than 3,000 patients and their doctors. |
The study coincided with the annual report from Scotland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Harry Burns. | |
He said more action was needed to narrow the health gap between rich and poor areas. | |
The University of Glasgow research compared consultations in typical practices, serving both affluent and poor populations. | |
The system is coping but it is not succeeding Professor Graham WattUniversity of Glasgow Action needed on health gap | |
For patients with psychological problems in poor areas, seeing a doctor was less useful than for similar cases in better-off places. | For patients with psychological problems in poor areas, seeing a doctor was less useful than for similar cases in better-off places. |
The study found: "The increased burden of ill health... in socio-economically deprived areas results in high demands on primary care and is associated with poorer access to care, less time spent with the doctor and higher GP stress." | |
Researchers described the study as a landmark. | Researchers described the study as a landmark. |
Professor Graham Watt, expert in general practice and primary care, said: "The system is coping but it is not succeeding. | Professor Graham Watt, expert in general practice and primary care, said: "The system is coping but it is not succeeding. |
"The NHS should be seen at its best in helping the neediest patients, but... that is not the case. | |
"Despite a decade of political rhetoric about addressing inequalities in health care the NHS has still not squared up to this problem." | "Despite a decade of political rhetoric about addressing inequalities in health care the NHS has still not squared up to this problem." |
Task force | Task force |
The study was led by Dr Stewart Mercer, of the department of general practice at the University of Glasgow, and was published in US journal Annals Of Family Medicine. | The study was led by Dr Stewart Mercer, of the department of general practice at the University of Glasgow, and was published in US journal Annals Of Family Medicine. |
Dr Euan Paterson, who works in Govan, Glasgow, said it was time to find solutions. | |
Poor health has underlying causes involving education, housing, planning, employment and the economy Shona RobisonMinister for Public Health | |
"A thorny issue might be about redistribution of healthcare staff," he said. | |
"That one is not going to be popular if you don't live in a deprived area. | |
"The people who need most healthcare are likely to get less healthcare. | |
"Perhaps we need to think about having more doctors and more nurses in deprived areas." | |
Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said health in Scotland was improving, but not fast enough in the poorest communities. | Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said health in Scotland was improving, but not fast enough in the poorest communities. |
Ms Robison said: "Tackling health inequalities must be more than what the NHS can do for people. | Ms Robison said: "Tackling health inequalities must be more than what the NHS can do for people. |
"Poor health has underlying causes involving education, housing, planning, employment and the economy. | "Poor health has underlying causes involving education, housing, planning, employment and the economy. |
"I am chairing a ministerial task force on health inequalities which will refresh thinking across government on the best approaches to tackling health inequalities." | "I am chairing a ministerial task force on health inequalities which will refresh thinking across government on the best approaches to tackling health inequalities." |
The task force first met in October and will report to ministers next May. | The task force first met in October and will report to ministers next May. |
The minister said work was also ongoing to target resources where they are needed and ensure services are easier for the public to use. | The minister said work was also ongoing to target resources where they are needed and ensure services are easier for the public to use. |
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