SPECIAL REPORT
market overview
The care crisis
With A&E in crisis, escalating waiting times, and creaking healthcare facilities, the Government needs to consider a radical new approach to healthcare delivery on a national scale, argues Jitesh Patel of Kajima UK
T
he announcement by the Government that a cash injection of £3.5billion a year will see NHS
patients being cared for at home and in their communities to avoid them going into, or staying in, hospital unnecessarily, is welcome. However, if we are to truly see a
decisive shift from hospital-based provision towards a community-centric care model, the supporting physical infrastructure must be put in place. Systemic, structural problems, such as
waiting times for elective care and a shortage of community and social care spaces, are currently exacerbating bottlenecks in hospital discharge, contributing to bed-blocking and revolving-door hospital re-admissions. In too many instances there is simply
no alternative for patients other than a hospital bed, despite the fact they may no longer require inpatient treatment.
Stepping down This damaging and costly cycle can only be halted by the adequate provision of step-down, community-centric care
provision, supported by an appropriate physical infrastructure. This infrastructure would include
assisted living facilities, managed accommodation for the elderly, and primary and community care centres offering integrated, multi-disciplinary health services. Such provision would enable patients
to move confidently and efficiently though the healthcare system, ensuring a continuing level of appropriate care, while reducing the hospital bed blocking that is currently strangling the NHS. The recent funding announcement,
which is a key part of the Government’s NHS Long Term Plan, could contribute to the capital investment for such infrastructure. Ultimately, however, its cost would be
offset against the potential savings it would generate. The average cost per person per day in
hospital is £400; considerably more than the day cost of community care provision. In addition, the new model of care
should see the integration of health and social care, incorporating mental
health and elderly care, enabling it to access funding from the £3.8billion Better Care Fund.
Stepping down Some early examples of this integrated, community-centric approach are already being developed. Kajima was recently awarded the
contract to develop a new £40m Primary and Community Care Centre in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. The centre, which is due to become operational in 2021, will offer modern, fit-for-purpose consultation and treatment facilities for a wide range of primary care services including physiotherapy, low-risk elderly care, diagnostic services, children’s services, adult mental health and addiction services. When complete, it will represent a
transformation in the way that healthcare is delivered, and will be well positioned to meet the needs of patients for the 21st Century. Despite the unprecedented demand
on its services, it should be possible for the NHS to continue to deliver world- class healthcare. It will, however, require a bold new
approach to how that care is both funded and delivered, including an overhaul of the current NHS estate. Only with a collaborative effort
towards this goal can the substantial and rising pressures on the NHS – impairing treatment outcomes and weighing down trusts – be fully addressed, and improved life-long care become a reality.
www.kajima.co.uk
healthcaredm.co.uk 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61
