14 Apr 2025
The phrase “prevention is better than cure” remains largely unfulfilled in the UK, despite government efforts to shift the NHS focus from treatment to prevention. The Wanless review, commissioned in 2002, emphasized health improvement as essential for reducing NHS demand, yet progress has stagnated, with life expectancy declining for many.
To make prevention a reality, action is crucial, especially as chronic illnesses rise, leading to economic inactivity and avoidable deaths. The UK spends £100 billion annually on obesity, disproportionately affecting poorer communities, highlighting a failure in social justice.
Preventive measures in nutrition, mental health, and employment exist but are underutilized. Children, particularly those in poverty, face significant barriers to early interventions and support, with school nursing services declining. Despite growing awareness, these issues were overlooked in the 2024 election.
Health messages often fail to consider socioeconomic constraints, making it difficult for at-risk populations to make healthy choices. Funding cuts have reduced local preventive services, undermining support for healthier lifestyles. While recent funding boosts are welcome, they don’t address past cuts or the dismantling of public health services.
For effective policy and practice, political commitment is necessary to support those striving for better health. A strengthened health workforce is vital, yet funding cuts have weakened preventive initiatives. Policies should prioritize early life stages and mental health services for children, alongside government interventions to improve food quality.
The Hewitt Review suggested increasing prevention budgets, but investments often lack coordination between local authorities and NHS programs. Integrated Care Boards are making progress in isolation, needing a cohesive strategy.
There are opportunities within clinical services to implement preventive strategies. Some primary care practices are adopting lifestyle medicine, but this is not widespread. Hospitals must create healthier environments and improve food quality. Innovative projects like the Vital 5 in South East London show promise in addressing key health factors.
Collaboration between clinicians and non-clinicians is growing, leading to better patient outcomes. Re-establishing public health support within the NHS is crucial for addressing health challenges; without this, “prevention” will remain just a slogan.