For a large proportion of our population, accessing information and services online is now a part of everyday life, with many routinely using the internet for online shopping and banking due to the speed and convenience it gives. However, whilst there are many that embrace the digital offer, there are others in Lincolnshire that will feel excluded and unable to use online services for a variety of reasons. Everyone in Lincolnshire who wants to be digitally connected to health and care services and the community should have the skills, accessibility and confidence to do so.

People with a Severe Mental Illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar or other psychoses, often experience poor physical health and undiagnosed/untreated physical health conditions because of the focus on their mental health. An annual physical health check helps to identify any physical health problems early and ensure access to appropriate interventions. Annual health check for people with severe mental health conditions – NHS

Annual health checks are for adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability. An annual health check with a GP or nurse can help identify undetected conditions early, and make sure that the right treatment is given.  Learning disabilities – Annual health checks – NHS

During 2021/2022, nearly 7.5 million outpatient appointments were missed by patients across UK, often for reasons outside of their control and often linked to health inequalities. Reducing instances where people miss their outpatient appointments is a priority focus of the Elective Recovery Plan. An analysis conducted by the Kings Fund in 2023 found that people in the most deprived areas were twice as likely to experience a wait of more than one year compared to people in the least deprived. Read more on the delivery of the NHS’ elective recovery plan.

UK coverage rates have been steadily declining over the past 5 to 10 years, particularly for those living in more deprived areas and vaccine hesitancy in ethnic groups. No childhood vaccines are currently meeting the 95% target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for population immunity. This trend is also seen in Lincolnshire. NHS vaccinations and when to have them – NHS

The NHS Health Check programme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of adults aged 40-74 years through the promotion of early awareness, assessment and management of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), for example, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and being overweight or obese. In Lincolnshire, NHS Health Checks are delivered by General Practices. The prevalence of the key risk factors for Cardio Vascular Disease, for example, smoking and obesity, is higher in more deprived areas. NHS Health Check – NHS

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions  are the third-largest cause of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) (Source: Global Burden of Disease 2019) and account for 30% of GP consultations in England (Source: NHS England). Whilst life expectancy has risen, lives are lived longer but in poorer health, and poor health is particularly true for older adults, and those living in more deprived areas. Long term pain, particularly lower back pain, affects MSK sufferers, significantly impacting individuals, employers, the health service, and the wider economy. Life with MSK conditions causes many to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA), resulting in wider socioeconomic impacts.