As lead on the NIHR SPCR funded public involvement and engagement project; Delivering primary care on the British waterways: exploring the health priorities and challenges of live-aboard boaters, Dr Jane Jervis from the School of Nursing and Midwifery was invited to the House of Commons to attend the All-Party Health Group (APPG) improving access to primary care services evidence session.
This inquiry aims to deliver evidence-based policy recommendations to ensure equitable, efficient, and sustainable access to primary care including general practice, community pharmacy, dentistry, and optometry by 2035, in alignment with the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan.
This evidence session discussed who cannot get timely, appropriate first-contact care and why. Live-aboard boaters face key challenges and inequalities in accessing primary care services, which limits their opportunities to engage in screening programmes (e.g. cancer) and manage acute and chronic conditions.
Jane accompanied Tim Clarke, Accessible Waterways Association Director, to highlight the significant challenges experienced by this community.
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