Brief Synopsis

Core20PLUS5 is a national NHS England approach to reduce health inequalities by focusing on the most deprived 20% of the population (Core20), specific additional groups (PLUS), and five key clinical areas that require accelerated improvement (5). The goal is to address disparities in access, experience, and outcomes in areas like maternity care, serious mental illness, COPD, early cancer diagnosis, and hypertension. 

 

CORE20

• The "Core20" refers to the 20% of the population in areas with the highest socioeconomic deprivation.
• The aim is to identify and address the specific health inequalities experienced by this group. 

PLUS

• The "PLUS" component focuses on additional populations that experience poorer health outcomes, access, or experience, as identified by local Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). 
• This includes groups such as homeless individuals, those with drug and alcohol dependence, vulnerable migrants, and certain ethnic minority communities. 

5

The "5" represents the five clinical areas prioritized for accelerated improvement:  

• Maternity care: Ensuring continuity of care for women in the most deprived areas and from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups. 
• Severe Mental Illness (SMI): Providing annual health checks for those with SMI. 
• COPD: Improving management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with a focus on increasing vaccination uptake for COVID-19, flu, and pneumonia
• Cancer: Improving early diagnosis rates. 
• Hypertension: Increasing case-finding and optimal management..
• NOTE :Smoking cessation is recognized as a cross-cutting factor that positively impacts all five areas.