Dr. Zak McMurray, a member of the NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, believes that the healthcare system needs to shift its focus from treating illnesses to improving people’s overall wellbeing. According to McMurray, the current model of care is not sustainable and will collapse if the emphasis is not placed on wellbeing. He emphasized the importance of preventing illnesses rather than just treating them.
In response to this call for change, a Sheffield Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy is being developed to improve the overall health and wellbeing of residents in the city over the next 10 years. The strategy aims to close the gap in life expectancy and quality of life between different areas of Sheffield by prioritizing the health of disadvantaged individuals first.
While there may be some disappointment and frustration with past actions, there is a desire for this new strategy to promote new thinking and bravery in addressing health disparities. The board has agreed that the 10-year strategy should be reviewed periodically and include one-year delivery plans. Dr. McMurray suggested that resources should be reallocated away from medical treatment towards wellbeing for better outcomes.
Greg Fell, Sheffield’s director of public health, emphasized the need for confidence in the strategy once it is established. The focus should shift towards prevention and improving overall wellbeing in order to effectively address health disparities in Sheffield.
