One of the biggest challenges facing the NHS is helping people stay healthy, independent and active as they get older, especially people living with frailty.
That is why I am proud of the work taking place across Essex to provide more joined-up, personalised care.
Our work has recently been recognised in new national guidance (opens in new tab) on improving community care and supporting people living with frailty.
This follows the former Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board being chosen as one of only seven national Vanguard sites for the National Frailty Improvement Collaborative.
This recognition reflects the hard work of NHS staff, local councils, community organisations and many other partners. By working together, they are helping more people receive the right care closer to home.
Supporting people living with frailty is an important part of our Population Health Improvement Plan and our neighbourhood health approach. We know that when people get the right support early, they are more likely to stay independent, avoid unnecessary hospital visits and enjoy a better quality of life.
Across Essex, Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and digital tools are helping services work together more closely. This means people can be identified earlier and receive care that is based on their individual needs.
But preventing frailty is just as important as treating it.
We are working with local councils, community groups and other partners to help people stay healthy for longer. This includes creating places that are easier to walk around, encouraging people to be active, helping people maintain a healthy weight and supporting healthier lifestyles.
We are also helping people reduce the risk of health problems later in life, including smoking, harmful alcohol use, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
This work is especially important in some of our coastal communities, where people often live with poorer health for longer and demand for health services is higher. Work through the Coastal Navigators Network has shown how important prevention, strong local communities and accessible neighbourhoods are in helping people age well.
There are also simple things we can all do to stay independent for longer. Falls are a common cause of injury in older people, but many can be prevented. Staying active, improving strength and practising balance exercises can all help reduce the risk.
We encourage people and their families to take small steps to prevent falls and support healthy ageing. You can find practical advice, simple exercises and information about local support on our falls prevention webpage.
Finally, I would like to thank all our colleagues and partners across Essex. Your commitment to providing compassionate, joined-up care is helping people live healthier, more independent lives.