Essex experts play key role in major new health inquiry

Two University of Essex researchers will play a key role in shaping a new parliamentary inquiry that aims to improve access to primary healthcare services.

Professor Mariachiara Di Cesare and Professor Susan McPherson, from Essex’s Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing (IPHW), are members of the steering group for the new cross-party inquiry, launched by think tank Policy Connect and the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group (APHG).

They will apply their expert knowledge and research findings to help the inquiry explore growing access challenges facing primary care services like general practice, dental care, optometry, and pharmacies.

The inquiry - Improving Access to Primary Care Services - aims to develop coordinated policy solutions that deliver lasting improvements in primary care services.

It will be co-chaired by Dr Simon Opher MP (Labour), Sadik Al-Hassan MP (Labour), Jess Brown-Fuller MP (Liberal Democrats), and Lord Kamall (Conservative).

Despite its importance, primary care faces significant access challenges due to rising demand, workforce shortages, and regional disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic and declining financial investment have amplified these issues, particularly in deprived areas. Resulting health disparities cost the UK approximately £106.2 billion annually according to Policy Connect.

As well representation on the steering group, the University of Essex is a co-sponsor of the inquiry.

Professor Di Cesare, Director of the IPHW, said: “Challenges to accessing primary care services are exacerbating health inequalities and undermining trust in public health institutions and policymakers.

“This initiative presents an opportunity to contribute our expertise and generate the evidence needed to ensure that care is both responsive to and reflective of the needs of our communities.”

Professor Susan McPherson, Deputy Director of the IPHW, said: “It aligns with our Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing vision of promoting better health and wellbeing for all – locally, nationally, and globally and we look forward to helping shape recommendations that will meaningfully improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

The inquiry will look holistically at the challenges facing primary care services, producing evidence-based policy recommendations that aim for long-term improvements in patient experience, workforce sustainability, and service integration.

Jasmin Adebisi, Policy Manager (Health) at Policy Connect and lead researcher for the inquiry, said: “With a wealth of experience of promoting improved health and care outcomes at both a local and national level, Mariachiara and Susan and the wider team at the Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing will provide vital insights and support as the APHG and our parliamentary co-chairs aim to deliver evidence-based policy solutions that ensure equitable, efficient, and sustainable access to primary care.

“Policy Connect and the APHG look forward to continued cooperation with the University of Essex as we work to improve the primary care landscape by enhancing access and outcomes for patients.”