This site is intended for Healthcare Professionals only

Reflections on Brexit and health inequalities

Opinion bookmark icon off

Reflections on Brexit and health inequalities

There is an argument that the shock result in the EU referendum was not caused by immigration fears but by a deep sense of grievance on the part of large tracts of the population.

These people feel socially and economically marginalised, ignored by politicians of all persuasions. In other words, it was a protest vote on a gigantic scale and a stark reflection of the inequalities and divisions that are so rife in modern UK society.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the matter of the nation’s health. Michael Marmot in 2010 said that reducing health inequalities was a matter of fairness and social justice. Yet hundreds of thousands of people are continuing to die prematurely each year. It is a truly shameful state of affairs.

All governments of recent times have failed lamentably to close the widening gap in health inequalities. Not nearly enough has been done to increase access to services for deprived populations, especially those who don’t use traditional sources of advice and support.

Community pharmacy has a huge role to play in helping the most disadvantaged because of their accessibility at the sharp end of patient care. They see the greatest number of people on a daily basis, usually without appointment. Much more can be done.

However (note to whoever replaces Alistair Burt), this needs a plan, investment and the support of Government. As we await news from the Department of Health over pharmacy funding and its plans for the sector, maybe this is something that politicians might like to ponder.

Copy Link copy link button

Opinion

Hear the opinions and comment from some of the top names in pharmacy. Make sure you get in touch and share your opinions with us too.

Share: