Read: Ramsay Health Care UK setting the standard on social impact with new report launch
From the experience of the pandemic, to rising health inequalities, healthcare organisations have an increasingly important role to play in society.
Sadly, the inequalities that faced the country pre-pandemic have only worsened, with those living in the most disadvantaged communities still being the individuals hardest hit by economic, social and health events. The discrepancies in both life expectancy and healthy life years between wealthier communities and those living in more deprived communities, is stark.
The figures on health inequalities are a wake up call to all. We need to change our approach to how we view, and deliver health improvements. We need to more away from the traditional approaches to improving health outcomes and preventing poor health particularly in a society where the proportion of older people is growing.
During my time as Minister for Public Health I saw first hand the real challenges that our health system is under - and it is going to require those new approaches and methods to respond to these challenges.
Our Purpose Health Coalition is focussed on working with organisations who want to work in different ways, improving efficiency and using technology. I was was particularly proud to launch our Impact Report with Ramsay Health Care UK in South Wales on Thursday this week, alongside my colleague and Purpose Coalition Chair Rt Hon Justine Greening. The report sets out how Ramsay is innovating, and going further for its patients, colleagues and communities.
Ramsay Health Care is in a particularly unique position as the largest independent healthcare provider in the country - with over 35 sites across England. It’s comprehensive partnerships with the NHS, large-scale workforce and connection’s with the local community means it has the potential to affect profound change across a range of our Purpose Goals.
Ramsay Health Care is also delivering best-in-class patient outcomes through large-scale investment in technology. For its colleagues and the communities it serves, Ramsay Health Care is leveraging its work against the comprehensive Ramsay Cares strategy. This ensures that it is continually reviewing and improving its work to improve its social value.
As one of the leading independent healthcare provider Ramsay Health Care in partnership with the NHS, are showing that business can be a force for good. They are leading the way making sure that ending inequalities and improving social justice become a cornerstone of all that they do. Where they lead others must follow to finally make sure we have a fairer more equitable society we all want to see.
by Rt Hon Anne Milton
