Responding to a new report from The Health Foundation, Health inequalities in 2040: current and projected patterns of illness by deprivation in England, which finds that nearly 25% more working-age adults will have a diagnosed major illness by 2040, Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive at NHS Providers said:

"More support and funding for public health services is vital to ensure a healthier population. Prevention is better than cure.

"These findings are worrying but sadly not surprising given the cuts to public health and prevention services over the years. 

"National support is vitally needed for local councils to meaningfully improve the health and wellbeing of their communities. Without it, demand for already-stretched NHS services will rise even further. 

"A whole-government approach is needed to prevent ill health, starting with tackling the root causes of why some people – such as those living in poverty and in deprived areas, as well as ethnic minorities and people with learning disabilities – are more likely to have worse physical and mental health.

"Trusts are working hard to prevent ill health and reduce health inequalities. Alongside more support for community services and social care, there must be a greater focus on the wider factors that could help people to lead healthier and more productive lives."