One of the biggest challenges facing the NHS is helping people stay well and independent as they get older, especially those living with frailty
That is why I am proud that teams across Essex are helping to lead the way in providing more proactive, personalised and joined-up care for people living with frailty.
Our work has recently been highlighted in new national guidance (opens in new tab) on improving care in the community and delivering better outcomes and experiences for people living with frailty.
This follows the former Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board being selected as one of only seven national Vanguard sites for the National Frailty Improvement Collaborative.
This recognition reflects the hard work taking place across health and care services every day. Clinicians, community teams, GP practices, local councils, hospitals, urgent and emergency care services, voluntary organisations and other partners are working together to improve care and help more people receive support closer to home.
Supporting people living with frailty is a key part of our Population Health Improvement Plan and neighbourhood health approach. We know that when people receive the right support earlier, they are more likely to stay independent, avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and enjoy a better quality of life.
Across Essex, teams are already making a real difference. Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and digital tools are helping services work together more closely, identify people who may need support earlier and provide more joined-up care based on individual needs.
However, preventing frailty is just as important as responding to it.
This means continuing to work closely with local councils, community groups and other partners to create places that help people stay active, connected and independent for longer. It includes designing neighbourhoods that are easier to move around, encouraging physical activity, tackling obesity and helping people make healthier choices.
It also means reducing the risk factors that can lead to poor health later in life, including smoking, harmful alcohol use, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
This is particularly important in some of our coastal communities, where people often experience poorer health for longer and demand for services continues to grow. Recent work through the Coastal Navigators Network has highlighted the importance of prevention, accessible neighbourhoods, reducing loneliness and strengthening local support to help people age well.
There are also simple things we can all do to stay well and independent for longer. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence among older people. Building strength, improving balance and staying active can all help reduce the risk.
Across Essex, we are encouraging people and their families to take small steps to reduce the risk of falls and support healthy ageing. You can find practical advice, exercises and information about local support services on our falls prevention webpage.
Finally, I would like to thank all colleagues and partners across Essex who continue to provide compassionate, proactive and preventative care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.