The healthcare sector in the UK is comprehensively and publicly funded through the NHS. The NHS provides services to UK residents free at the point of use. This includes hospital care, general practitioner services and various specialist treatments.
General hospitals provide a wide range of services including emergency care, surgery, maternity and outpatient services. Many hospitals are affiliated with medical schools and serve as teaching hospitals, where medical students and healthcare professionals receive training.
The UK private healthcare sector includes hospitals and clinics offering elective surgeries, consultations and diagnostic procedures.
As of August 2023, there are 1,148 hospitals in the UK. This comprises 930 NHS hospitals and 218 private hospitals and clinics.
Social care services are distinct from healthcare but play a crucial role in supporting individuals, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities. There is ongoing debate and discussion about the integration of health and social care services.
The healthcare workforce includes doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative staff. Recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals, including addressing workforce shortages, are ongoing challenges.
Care homes
The ageing population in the UK continues to drive demand for care homes. With more people living beyond 85, the demand is set to increase further.
The demand for care home beds continues to recover after the pandemic. The average weekly cost of care in the UK varies widely, from around £600 to £1,200, depending on the type and location of care.
Staffing remains a critical issue, with staff shortages made worse by Brexit and changes in immigration policies. Care home providers are faced with nurse and carer wages that are rising faster than the National Living Wage.
There is a push towards integrating technology in care homes to improve care quality and operational efficiency. Innovations like telemedicine are becoming more common. There is also a trend to move towards providing more personalised and homely environments for residents, which is expected to enhance the quality of care and resident satisfaction.
Some of the many projects PTSG has completed at healthcare sites throughout the UK include:
- The provision of fire alarms, air sampling, access control systems and CCTV at NHS Nightingale Exeter, as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Portable appliance testing (PAT) at a number of London hospitals
- Fire sprinkler servicing at Sunrise and Gracewell sites throughout the UK
