Tackling local health inequalities

Lambeth and Southwark are 2 of London's most diverse boroughs, but children living there don't all have the same start in life. Some face big inequalities in health, wellbeing and access to healthcare.

Evelina London's Patch children's community nursing team is working to change this. Their goal is simple: to give every child a fairer, healthier future.

They care for local children and young people with asthma, eczema and constipation. They also support families with housing, mental health, wellbeing and other services.

Lyncia Downer, team leader for Patch, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, not just survive.

We know that improving a child's health means looking beyond their diagnosis to understand the wider context of their life, their home, school, family and daily experiences.

"I know firsthand the impact these conditions can have on children and families, and how important early, proactive support can be. Many of the families we care for are navigating a combination of physical, behavioural, emotional and social challenges, alongside issues such as housing insecurity and barriers to accessing care.

"When families feel supported and empowered, children are better able to flourish, so it’s a privilege to help them achieve their full potential without the fear that their health will hold them back."

Shanon Francis’s sons Isiah, 12, and Ethan, 3, see the Patch team regularly.

Shanon said: "Right from the start, I was blown away by the team's flexibility, dedication and professionalism. Everyone we spoke to went the extra mile for us. As a working mum with 2 children needing appointments, they make it easy to fit this in with our busy lives.

The nurses are all amazing and adjust their approach to suit each of my sons' ages. We always leave appointments feeling reassured and confident they’re getting the best care.

In 2024, the team won a prestigious Health Service Journal Award for the real difference their work was making in supporting children with asthma.

They found that 90% of patients with uncontrolled asthma were better able to control their symptoms after the team became involved in their care.

They also found that after 6 months patients are 45% less likely to need to see their GP, 54% less likely to stay in hospital and 18% less likely to visit their local emergency department (A&E).

Lyncia added: "I'm incredibly proud of the team and the compassionate care we provide every day. We're always looking for new ways to improve support for children and families, including creating stronger community partnerships to make joined up care accessible to everyone who needs it."

Fast facts

• Since 2016, the team has supported over 10,000 families to manage their child's condition at home.
• 664 families are currently being supported by the team.