Overview

• One in three people in the most deprived areas are forced to seek emergency care when unable to secure GP appointments, highlighting a significant access gap.
• The King's Fund report reveals that poverty not only shortens lives but also increases the burden on the NHS through higher emergency care usage.
• Patients in poorer areas face longer waits and more cancellations for GP and hospital care, contributing to worsened physical and mental health outcomes.
• Healthcare disparities are linked to higher mortality rates from conditions like dementia and atrial fibrillation in deprived communities.
• Experts call for targeted government action to address the root causes of poverty and improve access to healthcare for all.