NHS England has said that while most integrated care boards (ICBs) show a clear commitment to reducing health inequalities, progress remains uneven.
Its annual performance review of ICBs said that many had put in place credible plans and initiatives to address inequalities while others were struggling to translate intent into impact.
The review said that data-led approaches and delivery at scale set higher-performing systems from those where inequalities remain more entrenched.
NHS England highlighted success at several ICBs.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB was praised for using its commissioner role to redistribute resources. By using a population needs model to distribute primary care funding, it had been able to target needs in high areas of deprivation.
North Central London ICB was also highlighted for effective partnership working to understand the drivers of inequality, with NHS England welcoming early evidence of improved outcomes following the distribution of inequalities funding.
The review recognised a number of ICBs for their data-led approach to tackling inequalities.
North East London, Lincolnshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and Frimley ICBs were praised for their use of data to target populations in need.
The review encouraged other ICBs, such as Gloucestershire and Lancashire and South Cumbria, to strengthen their use of data.
Targeted action for specific communities was cited as another marker of stronger performance.
The NHS picked up on Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB, which was recognised for its focused cardiovascular health initiatives, while Birmingham and Solihull ICB was praised for supporting underserved communities by appointing 85 community cancer champions and increasing MMR uptake.
West Yorkshire ICB was also highlighted for targeted work with homeless and traveller communities as well as tailored support for sex workers and people in contact with the criminal justice system.
The report said there were weaknesses around reducing inequality at some ICBs.
Surrey Heartlands ICB was flagged for ‘pockets of inequality and inconsistency across the system’, despite NHS England being ‘satisfied’ with its work in reducing inequality. And although Kent and Medway ICB was noted for its leadership and focus on the issue, NHS England said that reducing inequality ‘remains an area of substantial concern’.
