Equality, diversity and inclusion are crucial to providing high quality health care and a supportive workplace.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2022-2027 (NIHR, 2022) aims to reduce inequalities, recognising that inclusive research will contribute to improving the health of the nation. 

This is particularly relevant in women's health. According to research, women spend more time experiencing ill health and disability. It is also critically important to consider the language used.

Here at the RCN, we believe that services must be responsive and inclusive, acknowledging that the most vulnerable people in our society often have the greatest need for health care, as supported by a recent report from the Kings Fund. 

Health inequalities and unethical differences in health provision between different groups of people are avoidable. They lead to differences in life expectancy, care experiences and prevalence of health conditions.

Four factors describe the different types of health inequality (these factors may also be combined):

• socio-economic
• geography
• characteristics (including protected characteristics).
• social exclusion.