Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in health between different groups. These differences are a result of the conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work and age. These conditions influence our opportunities for good health. They affect how we think, feel and act. This shapes our health and wellbeing.

Examples where health inequalities are known to exist include:

  • Social and economic factors such as low income, poor housing and lack of green space.
  • Factors such as age, sex and race. As well as sexual orientation and disability.
  • At risk groups in society including migrants; homeless people; and sex workers
  • Geography such as in access to services between urban and rural areas.

Inequalities are found in access, experience and outcomes. We have the chance to
reduce them in the services we provide. 

Local profile: Many health outcomes in South Tyneside and Sunderland are worse than the rest of England. These differences are not set in stone. We can help to reduce them and make things fairer.

Local life expectancy is lower than the national average. Local people often live more of their lives in poor health too. In some local areas, people can expect to be in good health for just 50 years. Unfair differences in health exist between local people and the national average. They also exist within our own neighbourhoods.

COVID-19 has shown that different groups experience health and disease in different ways. COVID-19 has affected us all. Groups who already suffer many health and social inequalities have been hit hardest. 

Get in touch; get involved

If you've got ideas and want more information about this important work or if you want to get involved in the prevention work STSFT is developing please contact the Prevention Team at stsft.prevention@nhs.net.

Tackling Health Inequalities module with University of Sunderland

Applications are now open for our 2023 Tackling Health Inequalities module

 

Course title: Tackling Health inequalities (in Healthcare)

Target award: 20 Credits level 6 or level 7

Time: The course will run for approximately 8 months (May – Dec 23)

Venue: This will be delivered mainly by face to face tutorials at University of Sunderland.

 

The course module has the following learning outcomes: 

By the end of this module successful students will be able to do the following:

  • Discuss the moral, ethical, financial and health utility issues surrounding health inequalities within healthcare.
  • Appraise a range of evidence and be able to critique its strengths, weaknesses and applicability in relation to health inequalities.
  • Reflect on the information required to inform prioritisation, decision making and evaluation regarding health inequalities. 
  • Understand the risks and benefits of different approaches to healthcare and health promotion, incorporating actions to reduce health inequalities.

Required qualifications:

  • Registered professional or completion of level 5 study or above (higher diploma or certificate) study
  • Mathematics Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) – C or above 
  • English Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) – C or above

 

If you wish to study this module at level 7/post graduate you will also need a degree-level qualification.

 

If this is something that you are interested in:

  1. Check you have the required qualifications
  2. Speak to your line manager to get authorisation to apply.  This will include agreement that you can be released from normal duties to study 1 day per fortnight (with an additional 4 self-study days which can be taken during the course of the module).
  3. Fill out the application form here and submit to stsft.cpd@nhs.net  by 5pm on 11th April 2023.

 

You would be required to present your work to the Health Equity Academy at the end of your study.  An overview of the course timetable can be found here. 

If you would like to discuss the module in more detail before you apply please contact Fiona.Carney@nhs.net or Ryan.swiers@nhs.net.  For general enquiries please email Prevention@nhs.net

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