Why clinical homecare could be a solution for the NHS

Chris Carver, board member of the National Clinical Homecare Association (NCHA), suggests that clinical homecare could provide a long-term solution to some of the challenges faced by the NHS. He highlights the findings of a new report.

Personalised care that fits around the patient is a well-documented NHS ambition. This goal typically goes hand-in-hand with a desire to reduce reliance on traditional bricks-and-mortar services. An estimated 31 million people in the UK say they are living with at least one long-term health condition. This is almost half of the UK population. As our population grows, so will the demand on the NHS. Projections from The Health Foundation suggest that nearly one in five of us will live with a major illness that requires regular healthcare by 2040. Clinical homecare could offer a unique answer and solution; but due to a lack of understanding and ownership, it remains one of the NHS's best-kept secrets.

Clinical homecare is a wide-ranging service, covering specialist medicines storage and delivery. This often includes the administration of medications by a trained healthcare professional in a patient's home. While every patient's needs are different, these services fall into three service pathways:

While relatively unknown, the NHS has offered these services for 30 years. As a board member of the National Clinical Homecare Association, I work with companies that are delivering these services around the UK. Clinical homecare can be used to treat a variety of acute and long-term conditions. This includes respiratory, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular conditions, as well as cancer, blood disorders and more. Currently around 600,000 people in the UK are receiving treatment in this way.

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.

Latest Issues

AfPP Manchester Regional Conference

Manchester Metropolitan University Business School
1st March 2025

The Fifth Annual Operating Theatres Show 2025

Kia Oval, London
11th March 2025, 9:00am - 4:00pm

AfPP Newcastle Regional Conference

Herschel Building, Newcastle University
26th April 2025

Infection Prevention and Control 2025 Conference and Exhibition

The National Conference Centre, Birmingham
29th – 30th April 2025

Decontamination and Sterilisation 2025 Conference and Exhibition

The National Conference Centre, Birmingham
29th April 2025

Scottish Intensive Care Society Conference 2025

Crieff Hydro Hotel
1st - 2nd May 2-25