More than 200 people from across the country came together for another inspiring session in the Future of Primary Care   webinar series, hosted by Dr Mohit Venkataram, Deputy Chief Executive at North East London NHS Foundation Trust.  

Opening the session, Dr Venkataram reflected on the pressures facing the world today and the growing importance of  self ‑ sufficiency  including how people can better manage and take ownership of their health.   

Lifestyle medicine: evidence,  equity  and empowerment  

The focus of April’s webinar was lifestyle medicine , with an expert presentation from Dr Camille Hirons , NHS GP and Vice President of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.  

Dr Hirons shared how lifestyle medicine , an evidence ‑ based medical specialty , can prevent, treat and, in some cases, reverse  long ‑ term conditions by addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone. Built around six pillars (nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, mental wellbeing, social connection and reducing risky behaviours), lifestyle medicine supports people to make sustainable changes while recognising the wider social determinants of health.  

Crucially, the approach is not about replacing medication or clinical  guidelines but working alongside standard care to improve outcomes and quality of life.  

Real impact, real people  

Using powerful real ‑ world  examples, Dr H irons demonstrated  how lifestyle medicine is already making a measurable difference, particularly for people experiencing health inequalities.  

One patient story ,  “Georgina” (name changed) , highlighted what is possible when people are supported to understand and take control of their health. Living with multiple long ‑ term  conditions, including diabetes, Georgina took part in a lifestyle medicine programme delivered by health and wellbeing coaches. Over time, her HbA1c reduced dramatically, enabling medication to be reduced, while her confidence and sense of control grew.  

Across the service, outcomes have been equally compelling:  

• Significant improvements across all six lifestyle medicine pillars
• Many participants reaching recommended physical activity levels
• Improved mental wellbeing and social connection
• Strong engagement from people living in the most deprived communities
• 91% of participants saying the service met or exceeded their expectations  

Importantly, 75% of participants came from the most deprived 20% of communities , challenging the myth that lifestyle medicine only benefits  the wealthy or already well.  

Designed with communities, delivered by teams  

A key message throughout the session was that success depends on  co ‑ design  and teamwork . In Lewisham,  where Dr Hirons is based, the lifestyle medicine service was shaped with input from local residents and community organisations, resulting in a non ‑ clinical , culturally appropriate model delivered by trained health and wellbeing coaches.  

The approach is now being scaled across all seven Lewisham primary care networks, as well as adapted in other parts of the country through partnerships with local authorities and community services , demonstrating  how prevention, equity and susta inability can go hand in hand.  

A hopeful message for the future  

Closing the session, Dr  Venkataram  described the  webinar  as “a conversation about giving people power back ”, moving beyond the idea that there is “a pill for every problem” and instead supporting people, families  and communities to thrive.  

With lively discussion, thoughtful questions and overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, the session reinforced the growing appetite for practical, evidence ‑ based approaches that improve outcomes while addressing health inequalities.  

If you would like to watch the webinar , you can find the recording below or find it on our You Tube channel here:       

The next Future of Primary Care webinar will take place on Wednesday 27 May with guest Dr Brian McMillan, focusing on how patients can meaningfully access and use their own health records. You can register to attend here.