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NHS England defines health inequalities as unfair and avoidable differences in health across the population and between different groups within society (NHS, 2025). The drivers of health inequalities in children and young people (CYP) are the social, economic and environmental factors that impact upon their health outcomes. This includes ethnicity, income, housing, climate change and being looked after by local authorities. 

Health inequalities are rising, with significant barriers to care faced by CYP. 4.3 million children in the UK are growing up in poverty, equating to 30% of children in school. 47% of children from Black and minority ethnic groups are in poverty, compared to 24% of white children. 70% of these families have at least one parent in paid work (CPAG).  

As a first point of contact, nurses have a safety-critical role in identifying and reporting health inequalities. This requires policy change, recognition and education. In Northern Ireland, evidence provided by the RCN supported the Northern Ireland Audit Office to highlight the need to prioritise specialist community and public health nurses, who are central to tackling health and social care inequalities. RCN Wales also gave evidence to a recent parliamentary inquiry calling for increased recognition of the potential for nursing role in public health. 

References

Child Poverty Action Group (no date) Poverty: facts and figures. Available at:

NHS England (2025) What are healthcare inequalities? Available at: