Waiting list data to tackle health inequalities; Exploring AI for patient engagement; Growing gaps in life expectancy
Waiting list data published to help tackle health inequalities
New waiting list data has been published by the NHS in a bid to identify and tackle unfair variation in patient care. The data shows patients in the poorest communities and those from an Asian or Asian British background are more likely to be waiting longer than 18 weeks than any other group. The waiting list figures, available on the NHS England website, are broken down by age, sex, ethnicity, and deprivation levels. Local NHS providers are being asked to use the data to analyse and understand potential inequalities in their waiting lists and take steps to address them.
Read more about the waiting list data on the NHS England website here.
Use of AI models for patient and public engagement explored
A project in Scotland is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create virtual Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) panels. The new approach, developed by an NHS Golden Jubilee volunteer, uses advanced large language models (LLMs) and UK Census data to build demographically representative virtual panels. The project is being developed in collaboration with research teams at the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh. Researchers said they remain committed to strengthening and diversifying traditional PPIE panels to ensure lived experiences inform research in meaningful and authentic ways. The AI system – which has already been tested using anonymised cardiology research proposals – has also been created to address recruitment difficulties and geographic barriers.
Find out more about the project on the NHS Golden Jubilee website.
Figures reveal growing gap in life expectancy
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed a widening gap in healthy life expectancy between people in the richest and poorest areas. It found life expectancy for both men and women decreased in the most deprived areas of England and Wales in 2020 to 2022 compared to the pre-pandemic period. The data also revealed a continuing trend of increasing health inequality. The amount of time spent in "good" health for women in England were the lowest since the series began – 65% of life in good health for women in the most deprived areas compared with 81% in the least deprived.
Read more on the figures on the ONS website here.
Working-age women spend more years in poor health
Data analysed by QualityWatch, a Nuffield Trust and Health Foundation programme, has revealed women spend more years of their life living in poor health than men. In 2021, the conditions that working-age women lost the most healthy life years to were gynaecological conditions and breast cancer. Mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder also place a heavier burden on working-age women. In this long read, the Nuffield Trust discusses the findings and calls for urgent investment in women’s health. This includes changing a culture of sexism and "medical misogyny" in the NHS where conditions predominantly affecting women are dismissed and normalised.
Read the full analysis article on the Nuffield Trust website here.
Charity digital divide remains stark
The latest Charity Digital Skills Report reveals the digital divide between large and small charities remains stark. Nearly 7 in 10 small charities are still at early stages with digital. These smaller organisations are more likely to be led by people with lived experience and from marginalised groups, raising important questions about digital equity. While there is substantial growth in AI adoption, many organisations still report that AI governance is lacking. The report also raises concerns that AI is further widening the gap between large and small charities which could also deepen inequality both within and outside the sector.
Read the full report on the Charity Digital Skills website here.
New Joe Wicks animated series launched for children
A new animated series aims to inspire children to move more this summer. Activate has been co-created by Joe Wicks MBE and Studio AKA, the team behind Hey Duggee. The series is backed by the Government which is also funding a further 10 episodes. The first series features 5-minute episodes which combine animation with upbeat music, encouraging children to enjoy short bursts of movement that easily fit into their day. New Activate episodes will be released weekly over the school holidays and are available free on The Body Coach YouTube channel here.
Webinar: Reflecting on findings of cancer report
An upcoming Cancer Research UK webinar will provide evidence on why cancer must be a priority for the government and what can be done to improve outcomes. The webinar – being held on Tuesday, 29 July, from 10:30am to 11:30am – will share findings from the Cancer in the UK: Overview 2025 report. PIF member Cancer Research UK says the report comes at a critical moment as the government prepares to publish a National Cancer Plan for England.
Register for the webinar via Microsoft Teams here.
Read the full report on the Cancer Research UK website here.