Richard Parks Doctors across the UK are alarmed by a rise in diseases typically associated with the Victorian era, including scabies and erysipelas. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is calling for immediate government action to tackle poverty, which they say is directly contributing to this troubling trend. A new survey reveals that health inequalities are worsening, with many patients suffering from conditions linked to poor housing, air pollution, and lack of access to basic services.
Doctors Warn of Growing Health Inequalities
A survey of 882 doctors by the RCP highlighted concerns over the growing impact of health inequalities, with 89% of respondents expressing alarm about the issue. Of those surveyed, 72% reported an increase in patients suffering from diseases caused by poor living conditions. In particular, scabies and erysipelas, once thought to be relics of the past, are becoming more common, with a disturbing rise in cases attributed to overcrowded living situations and poor hygiene.
Almost half of the doctors surveyed said that at least 50% of their caseload is now related to social determinants of health—factors like housing, nutrition, and access to transport, which can significantly influence a person’s health outcomes. The survey results paint a grim picture of how social and economic factors are directly contributing to chronic health conditions.
The Link Between Poverty and Health Conditions
Dr. Ash Bassi, a consultant gastroenterologist from Prescot, Merseyside, spoke to the growing concerns among healthcare professionals. He explained that many patients are living in cold, damp homes, which exacerbate respiratory illnesses. Dr. Bassi also noted that food insecurity and unstable employment are causing delays in seeking medical care, leading to worsened health outcomes. “We’re seeing people sicker by the time they reach us,” he said.
Dr. John Dean, the clinical vice-president of the RCP, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the government must urgently address the underlying causes of health inequalities, such as inadequate housing, unemployment, and poor air quality. With projections suggesting that 2.5 million more people in England will be living with serious illness by 2040, Dr. Dean warned that comprehensive action was needed to prevent further deterioration in public health.
Scabies and Erysipelas: A Return to the Past
Scabies, a highly contagious skin condition caused by mites, has seen a worrying resurgence in the UK. The condition spreads quickly through close contact, often in environments where hygiene is compromised. In addition to scabies, erysipelas—a bacterial skin infection—has also been reported more frequently. Both conditions were once common in the UK but had largely been eradicated in modern times.
Doctors have linked the reappearance of these diseases to the living conditions faced by many in lower-income communities. Without access to proper housing and healthcare, conditions like scabies can spread rapidly, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial. Many of the patients with these conditions are also struggling with food insecurity and other social factors that exacerbate their health issues.
Government Response: A Plan, but No Details
In response to the growing concerns, the Department of Health and Social Care has pledged to prioritize tackling health inequalities. A spokesperson stated that efforts are underway to halve the gap in healthy life expectancy between richer and poorer regions. This includes a focus on preventive healthcare, which aims to reduce pressure on the NHS and improve public health outcomes.
However, while the government’s commitment to addressing health inequalities is clear, the details of the plans remain sparse. Doctors and health professionals are calling for more clarity on how the government intends to address the root causes of poor health. There is growing pressure for a clear, coordinated strategy that not only addresses the symptoms of health inequalities but also tackles the social factors that contribute to these problems.
Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Worsening Health Crisis
The Royal College of Physicians, along with frontline doctors, is urging the government to act swiftly to address the growing health crisis. They are calling for a clear and comprehensive strategy that addresses the social determinants of health and ensures that vulnerable populations are not left behind.
The impact of poor housing, inadequate nutrition, and lack of access to basic services is clear, and without urgent action, these factors will continue to drive preventable illness in the UK. As health professionals continue to witness the resurgence of diseases like scabies and erysipelas, the need for a coordinated, cross-government approach has never been more pressing.
The clock is ticking, and without swift action, the UK risks falling further into a cycle of inequality and preventable disease. The government must prioritize the health of its most vulnerable citizens to ensure that diseases of the past do not become the norm of the future.