THE CARE INDUSTRY


FOCUS FEATURE


‘There’s a widely-held argument that social care - so inextricably linked to medical healthcare - is a cause for serious concern, with some talking of a social care crisis’


All aspects of healthcare need to adapt to a changing landscape It would be remiss, dangerous and irresponsible to not


acknowledge that such a clearly evolving trend is having, and will continue to have, a significant impact on healthcare and many statistics such as those highlighted above – of which there are many – press home this point. The general consensus is that there is an urgent requirement


for providers of healthcare and the associated stakeholders and decision-makers, such as politicians, to ensure that all facets of healthcare adapt and evolve to the growing challenge and that healthcare is truly fit-for-purpose moving forward. It’s a view emphasised by Westfield Health’s


Commercial Director, David Capper, in an interview for this edition of Business Network when he states that: “It’s no longer an issue, it’s an economic necessity… there is a general feeling from all stakeholders across the NHS that this is understood, there’s just more work to do to get the system totally integrated so that it is driving the outcomes we need”. The argument of necessity is further accentuated by


the fact that, according to the Office of National Statistics, when the NHS was founded in 1948, 48% of the population died before the age of 65; that figure has now fallen to 14 per cent. The healthcare sector is facing up to significant challenges, with heightened demand on all areas of healthcare. Logically, as the number of elderly people increases, so too does the demand for healthcare services, specifically in dealing with age-related issues. Cancer alone is expected to increase to 17 million cases in the UK by 2020, jumping to 27 million by 2030. A plethora of very different medical challenges will place pressure on the healthcare sector – especially the NHS in the UK – ranging from chronic diseases, a rise in dementia- related cases, lifestyle issues leading to obesity and diabetes


business network May 2017 39


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