In the West Midlands, where conditions such as cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent, there is an urgent need for holistic health strategies embedded within national healthcare frameworks
Chronic diseases are increasingly common across the UK, presenting significant challenges for our healthcare system. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders dominate public health concerns, while mental health issues – closely tied to chronic disease –are on the rise in regions like the West Midlands.
Currently, the NHS is primarily focused on treatment, with departments overwhelmed by the demand to address acute health issues in a strained system. However, identifying and addressing root causes early on can alleviate pressure on both primary and secondary care services, while promoting a proactive culture of health management among patients. Policymakers must support a shift toward preventative, holistic strategies to improve health outcomes and reduce the strain on healthcare resources.
A Whole-body, Whole-life Approach
As an MP with over a decade of experience as a physiotherapist, improving the nation’s health is a top priority for me. Physiotherapy can play a vital role in prevention, not only by treating injuries or musculoskeletal pain but by focusing on mobility, strength, and functional fitness to address underlying issues that contribute to chronic conditions such as back pain, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.
Allied health professionals – whether physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or dietitians – are key to this preventative model. By addressing the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to poor health, these professionals help patients recover and build long-term resilience.
Our Government must ensure allied health professionals have the necessary training, funding, and resources to take a leading role in prevention, particularly in underserved areas such as parts of the West Midlands.
What Needs to Happen?
The NHS’s 10-year plan aims to build a system fit for the future, shifting care from hospitals to communities, emphasising prevention over treatment, and integrating digital healthcare solutions.
Our current hospital-centric model must evolve, with a greater focus on primary care and community-based services to reduce the burden on overextended hospitals.
By shifting care closer to people’s homes, we not only improve access to treatment but also prevent or delay the onset of severe health issues later in life.
The NHS must transition from a model that primarily addresses sickness to one focused on preventing illness before it occurs. Reducing risk factors for conditions like dementia, such as vision loss and high cholesterol, could save over 70,000 “quality-adjusted life years” in England alone over the next 20 years, helping to combat the rising incidence of long-term conditions.
Incorporating digital healthcare solutions, such as electronic medical records, will streamline processes, improve diagnostic accuracy and facilitate better communication across healthcare settings. By reducing administrative burdens, we can enhance both patient and healthcare worker experiences, leading to faster diagnoses, improved treatment outcomes, and a more connected healthcare system.
Moreover, addressing employment challenges within the healthcare sector is crucial. The Government’s establishment of the Fair Pay Agreement for the adult social care sector is a step toward empowering workers and addressing the recruitment and retention crisis. This will improve care standards and help tackle NHS waiting lists.
Technology Making Waves
Innovative technologies hold immense potential to enhance NHS efficiency and improve patient outcomes. A recent breakthrough has the potential to drastically improve care for the 8 million people in the UK living with sleep apnoea – a condition that contributes to fatigue, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
The Genio Nyxoah implant offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional CPAP machines, stimulating the hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open during sleep. The implant is controlled via a smartphone app, allowing patients to adjust settings and monitor their progress, seamlessly integrating into daily life. Early adopters have reported significant improvements in energy and activity levels, demonstrating the potential of this technology to transform lives.
Leading NHS centres, such as University College London Hospitals, are already adopting these innovations, ensuring patients have access to cutting-edge treatments. Policymakers must prioritise the integration of such advancements into NHS pathways while addressing accessibility and affordability barriers. By expanding access to these technologies, the NHS can improve care quality and reduce long-term healthcare burdens.
Final Thought
To address the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and ease the pressure on our healthcare system, we must move away from the current hospital-centric model and embrace prevention, early diagnosis, and digital solutions.
In order to meet the challenges faced by the NHS and build a sustainable, patient-centred system for the future, we need a comprehensive approach. This includes empowering allied health professionals, investing in community-based services, and integrating new innovative technologies.
By equipping the healthcare workforce with the tools and resources necessary for proactive care, we can shift from a reactive to a proactive healthcare system that benefits all individuals across the UK.
Featured image via Shutterstock.
Sonia Kumar
DesignationMember of Parliament for Dudley
