Your reporting on the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report on the UK health crisis focuses on the big numbers in the report, but ignores some of the ways we can improve health in the places we spend most of our time: workplaces and schools (Tackling UK ill health is vital to economic growth, says IPPR, 17 September). As a member of the IPPR health and wellbeing committee, I have helped to highlight this opportunity through the work of Impact on Urban Health.
Spending more on health alone will not tackle the growing number of people too sick to work and the stagnation in healthy life expectancy. The evidence-based solutions in the report target directly where the social, financial and commercial drivers of health intersect. For example, businesses can play a critical role in promoting a healthier workforce through better working conditions and health initiatives. Similarly, investing in children’s health through programmes such as Sure Start and free school meals will not only improve health outcomes, but also lead to better educational attainment, financial security and the ability to play an active role in the economy.
This in turn will ease the burden on public services. By targeting these opportunities, we can improve health outcomes and economic productivity for all.
Anna Garrod
Policy and Influence Director, Impact on Urban Health
The IPPR is right that creating better health is key to increasing growth and prosperity. To do this, we need to create better links between the health system and the many preventative projects already taking place in communities. Social prescribing is a crucial way to do this, as part of a ‘neighbourhood NHS’, by helping people access the services and support that matter to them.
As the report states, there is an “increasingly strong evidence base” to support this. By tackling loneliness and isolation, helping people get active and building the links between services, social prescribing supports individuals, communities and the health system. It should be a key part of the government’s future health strategy.
Charlotte Osborn-Forde
Executive Director, National Academy for Social Prescribing
The IPPR report is the kind of substantive thinking we need to reimagine what a whole-systems approach to keeping people healthy for longer looks like for the next century. Without taking anything away from the report or its authors, it was disappointing that nature and its benefits for improving health and wellbeing were not mentioned. Green spaces were mentioned briefly, but our vast protected landscapes and coastlines have much to offer to prevent poorer physical and mental health outcomes. Indeed, you will find a lot of great work already happening in these landscapes, delivering invaluable health outcomes by connecting people with nature and improving access.
This work deserves recognition, and national parks and other organizations should have a bigger seat at the public health table. Connecting to nature, from national parks to backyards, is a cost-effective and proactive response to deteriorating health outcomes. The evidence is there—it just needs to be better integrated into health and education systems.
James Metcalfe
Director, North York Moors Trust