One of the biggest challenges facing the NHS is how we better support people to stay well and independent as they grow older, particularly those living with frailty.
That’s why I’m incredibly proud that teams across Essex are helping lead the way nationally in developing more proactive, personalised and joined-up care for people living with frailty.
Our work has recently been referenced in new national best practice guidance focused on delivering effective community-based care. This follows Mid and South Essex ICB being selected as one of only seven national Vanguard sites for the National Frailty Improvement Collaborative.
This recognition reflects the commitment and innovation already happening every day across our services, with clinicians, community teams, primary care, local authorities and wider partners working together to improve care closer to home.
Supporting people living with frailty is a key priority within our Population Health Improvement Plan and wider neighbourhood health approach. We know that when people receive the right support earlier, we can help prevent avoidable deterioration, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and improve quality of life.
Across Essex, teams are already making a real difference through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and digital tools, which help us identify people earlier, coordinate care more effectively and support better planning around people’s individual needs.
But preventing frailty is just as important as responding to it.
That means continuing to work closely with our colleagues in local government, communities and wider partners to create healthier places that support people to stay active, connected and independent for longer. This includes how we design our environments and neighbourhoods for the future, encourage physical activity, tackle obesity and make it easier for people to live healthier lives.
It also means maintaining a strong focus on reducing the risk factors that can contribute to earlier frailty, including smoking, harmful alcohol use, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
This is particularly important in some of our coastal communities, where people are often living with poorer health for longer and demand on services is increasing. Recent partnership work through a Coastal Navigators Network highlights the importance of prevention, accessible neighbourhoods, reducing isolation and strengthening community-based support to help people age well.
There are also simple steps many of us can take ourselves to stay well and independent for longer. Falls are one of the biggest causes of injury and loss of independence for older people, but building strength, improving balance and staying active can make a real difference. Across Essex, we are encouraging people and families to take small proactive steps to reduce the risk of falls and support healthy ageing. You can find practical advice, exercises and local support on the NHS Essex falls prevention webpages
Finally, I would like to thank all colleagues and partners across Essex who continue to champion compassionate, proactive and preventative care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.