Reducing health inequalities: lessons from COPD improvements in Hastings, East Sussex
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains one of the most significant drivers of health inequality across the UK. Variations in access, early diagnosis, treatment pathways, and patient experience continue to contribute to avoidable morbidity, hospital admissions, and poorer long-term outcomes, particularly for underserved communities. This is particularly urgent in disadvantaged communities, where COPD drives avoidable admissions and earlier mortality, prompting system partners nationwide to seek practical examples for tackling inequalities in access, experience and outcomes.
This webinar explores how strategic partnerships and evidence-based frameworks aim to transform health outcomes for underserved communities. It will highlight how the NHS Confederation’s five-step approach to tackling health inequalities, in collaboration with Sanofi UK and the Sussex Health and Care partnership, has led to the development of targeted interventions that address inequities for COPD.
We will share insights into the interventions developed to date and early evidence on how they are beginning to address pressure points across the COPD pathway in Hastings, an area facing significant health inequalities. COPD was chosen as a focal point due to its prevalence, increasing unplanned hospital admissions, and worse health outcomes.
The event aims to:
- Showcase the systematic, five-step process for tackling health inequalities implemented in Hastings to specifically address COPD-related health inequalities.
- Highlight the role of collaborative partnerships in enhancing healthcare services and community involvement.
- Share practical examples from Integrated Care Systems and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams that you can adapt for your own localities.
Benefits of attending
- See worked examples of case finding, optimisation and supported self-management interventions used in Hastings, including how they were implemented and resourced.
- Understand the data, segmentation and risk‑stratification approach used to identify priority COPD cohorts.
- Connect with professionals dedicated to reducing health inequalities and building a collaborative network.
Who should attend
This webinar is designed for key decision-makers and leaders involved in system improvement and population health, including:
- Those responsible for respiratory pathways, admission reduction, and health inequalities.
- Population health directors and leads.
- Clinical outcomes and primary care directors.
- ICB respiratory clinical leads, medicines optimization leads, and community respiratory teams.
- Acute, community, and public health professionals.
- VCSE partners and patient representatives.
Book your free place and encourage your colleagues and others to join us too.
If you have any queries or would like to get in touch, please contact partnershipsandequality@nhsconfed.org.
