Fair Health for All Conference - November 2025

Health and social care colleagues from across South Yorkshire came together on Thursday 13th November 2025 to focus on ways of reducing health inequalities in primary care.

We heard from inspiring speakers, engaged in thought-provoking discussions, and learnt all about practical tools which help put it all into action! The event was a great opportunity to share different perspectives on the issues and work together towards tackling health inequalities through compassion.

If you would like to find out more about health inequalities in primary care in South Yorkshire, click here or contact Blerta and Kathryn at pcdltd.health-inequalities-team@nhs.net

Understanding the scale of the challenge

Exploring key issues and data shaping the future of primary care and health equity in South Yorkshire.

Opening Video Address by Sir Michael Marmot

Sir Michael Marmot is Professor of Epidemiology at University College London and a leading expert on health inequalities. He advises the WHO on social determinants of health and has received numerous honours, including the WHO Global Hero Award and the Prince Mahidol Award. He is the author of The Health Gap and Status Syndrome and has led health inequality research for nearly 50 years.  

Aligning the 10-Year Health Plan to Primary Care to Reduce Inequalities through Compassionate Care

Presented by Dr Leigh Sorsbie, GP and Health Inequality Lead for Sheffield Place 

Leigh Sorsbie is an experienced General Practitioner working for many years in deep-end general practice, providing care to some of the most underserved and vulnerable populations. She is the Health Inequality Lead for Sheffield Place, where she leads efforts to tackle health disparities and promote equitable healthcare access across the community. Leigh is committed to improving health outcomes through targeted interventions, advocacy, and collaboration with local partners. 

The Health of South Yorkshire: Understanding the Data and the Scale of the Problem

Presented by Barbara Coyle, Assistant Director of Data, Insights and Public Health at South Yorkshire ICB 

Barbara Coyle is Assistant Director of Data, Insights and Public Health at South Yorkshire ICB. where she leads the data and insights team. In her 25 years of experience in health and public health data her key focus remains on population health and inequalities analytics. Her work focuses on translating complex data into actionable intelligence to address health inequalities and promote the wellbeing of communities within South Yorkshire 

Inclusive Healthcare – Reaching Those Hidden in Plain Sight

Focusing on trauma-informed care, inclusion health, and the experiences of people often excluded from mainstream healthcare.

Embedding Trauma-Informed Care into Practice (Lived Experience Perspective)

Presented by Dee Collins, Senior Trainer based at Project 6 Training 

Dee Collins is a Senior Trainer based at Project 6 Training in Sheffield, specialising in trauma-informed care. Drawing on her lived experience, she provides valuable insights and guidance to organisations, facilitating the development of trauma-informed practices and promoting a deeper understanding of trauma’s impact. 

Bridging the Gap: Improving Health Outcomes for People Experiencing Homelessness

Presented by Dr Kieran Brown, GP at Devonshire Green and Hanover Medical Centres 

Kieran Brown is a General Practitioner at Devonshire Green and Hanover Medical Centres, with extensive experience working with people experiencing homelessness. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, tailored care to vulnerable populations and addressing complex health needs. 

Breaking Barriers: Access to Healthcare for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Presented by Caroline Norman, Project Manager for the Health Access for Refugees programme at the Refugee Council (with lived experience speakers) 

Caroline Norman is the Project Manager for the Health Access for Refugees programme at the Refugee Council. She has extensive knowledge of the healthcare challenges faced by refugee communities and specialises in improving access to health services. Caroline coordinates initiatives designed to address the unique health needs of refugees, ensuring they receive appropriate and timely care. 

Practical Solutions – Making a Difference Where You Work

Tools, frameworks, and shared insights to support real change in practice.

Fairer Practice Toolkit: Realistic and Achievable Interventions in Primary Care

Presented by Dr Dom Patterson, GP and Chair of the RCGP Health Inequalities special interest group 

Dom Patterson is a GP partner in Doncaster with a focus on education and health inequalities. He chairs the RCGP’s Health Equity Special Interest Group and founded England’s Health Equity-focused GP Training schemes. As CEO of Fairhealth, he leads efforts to reduce health inequalities through professional education and has developed the Fairer Practice toolkit for the RCGP. 

Photo gallery