The health consequences of poverty present significant challenges; GPs have a unique and important role in minimising these issues. GPs manage patients and families throughout the life-course, using a holistic approach that incorporates psychosocial and biomedical dimensions of heai.th and illness. GPs are first contact care providers, work in the heart of the community and are commissioners of health services. GPs serve a crucial role in integrating population health needs with individualised patient-centred care and addressing the wider determinants of health and illness to reduce disparities. Innovative approaches are needed and can be targeted in the individual consultation and at the practice, regional (commissioning) and national levels. Awareness, education, collaboration and resources are needed at multiple levels to minimise the health impacts of poverty. These are explored in this article and illustrated with a case study.
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