Blackpool report: why do England’s deprived areas have the most troubled hospitals?

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Hannah Al-Othman and Josh HallidayDecember 3, 2025 at 07:33 PM

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A leaked Royal College of Physicians report on Blackpool Victoria hospital reveals a toxic culture of bullying and discrimination impacting patient care, highlighting broader challenges for NHS hospitals in deprived areas of England. These hospitals, like those in Blackpool, Birmingham and Hull, face overwhelming demand due to generational ill health and poverty, struggling to attract and retain staff. The report links poor NHS trust performance to high levels of deprivation, exacerbated by inequalities in primary care. An outdated GP funding formula leaves deprived areas with fewer GPs, leading to increased A&E visits. This creates a cycle where areas with the greatest need struggle to provide adequate healthcare due to systemic issues and resource disparities.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

England ×350% NHS ×560% Blackpool ×780%

Keywords

deprived areas 90% nhs 80% hospital culture 80% poverty 70% health inequalities 70% gp funding 60% chronic disease 60% toxic culture 50% staff shortages 50% blackpool 40%