Director of Public Health annual report (2020-21)

Inequalities

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the many health inequalities that exist locally, nationally, and globally. Health inequalities are variations in health or access to healthcare between different population groups arising from the social conditions in which people live, work and age. These socio-economic conditions are wide ranging and include factors such as gender, ethnicity, geographic region or neighbourhood, housing and employment as well as levels of income and education.

Wiltshire is a predominantly rural county with a current population of 504,070 (1). Whilst it is in the least deprived 30% of local authorities in England, inequalities still exist. Approximately 14,000 people live in the most deprived areas of Wiltshire and are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes including reduced life expectancy as a result (2). The rural nature of the area coupled with an ageing population structure also presents further challenges such as increased prevalence of complex care needs, travel and transport issues as well as limited access to services and community support in some areas.

COVID-19 and the consequent lockdown measures profoundly affected all areas of our daily lives. More significantly, certain groups who may be at higher risk of contracting the virus or who may experience poorer health outcomes as a result, have been disproportionately impacted. This report looks at how vulnerable communities in Wiltshire have been supported throughout the pandemic to reduce the impact of COVID-19.