11 GHP Q1 2025 There have long been calls for NHS reform to tackle the myriad issues it currently faces. From long waitlists to staff shortages, these issues are compounded by financial constraints arising from a government working hard to balance the books and bring down debt. Many, if not all, of these challenges are complex in the extreme, and countless governments have searched high and low for quick fixes or structural ways to reform the service beloved by many across the UK. Much has been made of legacy systems and outdated IT, as well as the compounding effect of locum work and high agency fees to fill gaps in rotas. It is clear that for the long-term success and survival of the NHS, and its reputation as a world leader in healthcare outcomes, changes need to be made. There is however, one area that provides an obvious, if not easy, way to tackle many of these issues. Improving our health. This may sound churlish in the extreme to say this, but it is a real issue that is making it harder than ever for the NHS to keep up. The aging population, and the shocking rise in chronic diseases, means that more and more patients are regularly having to use the NHS for routine treatment. It is estimated that more than half of those between the ages of 65 and 74 have at least one chronic condition, and this rises sharply in higher age brackets. These are the figures we should be focusing on. Prevention over cure Luckily, this is already being recognised. Amid a national crisis of chronic illness and declining healthy life expectancy, there have been calls from Health Secretary Wes Streeting for a shift toward preventative medicine in the NHS. The NHS has also launched a consultation ahead of its new 10 Year Plan, which will focus on three areas, one of which being a focus on preventing sickness not just treating it. The good news is that many of these chronic conditions, such as diabetes, are preventable and in some cases, reversible. Many chronic diseases are either caused or worsened by lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of activity, smoking and alcohol and have a significant impact on healthy life expectancy. These lifestyle factors are mostly within our control, but long-term behaviour patterns are hard to change, which is where the support of a well-trained Health Coach can make a significant impact. If we want to live healthier lives and have a health service that isn’t overburdened by avoidable illness, our focus must shift to prevention. There are already a number of health coaches operating within the NHS, and official guidance recognises that there is “compelling evidence that demonstrates health coaching has a positive impact on the outcomes of patients with chronic diseases such as, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease”. While this is a good step in the right direction, there is clearly far more that needs to be done. Training and upskilling of health professionals is vital One area that I feel would make a significant difference is the training and upskilling of health professionals. By providing this By Ann Garry, CEO and Co-founder of Health Coaches Academy Why Health Professionals Need to Change Their Approach for Patient Wellbeing training to individuals who already have a good understanding of patient care and health issues, we can create an environment where patients are supported and given consistent messages about lifestyle change throughout their treatment journeys. This is not to say that all doctors or nurses will have time to act as a Health Coach for every patient, but by expanding the skill to more practitioners, there will automatically be a greater focus on long term, tangible outcomes that not only improve health, but also begin to tackle the strain the NHS is undoubtedly under. We have already worked with dozens of health professionals to do just this, from emergency medicine doctors with 10 years experience to a nurse who had worked with the NHS for 28 years. Each of them has been able to use the skills they have learned to help people manage chronic conditions and improve health. It is clear from the feedback we have received over the past few years that NHS and healthcare professionals benefit hugely from a more holistic approach to the treatment and support for patients. This a real opportunity to help patients make positive lifestyle changes and take back control of their health. With this in mind, Health Coaches Academy recently launched a specialised training programme for health professionals. It is a 12week course, is accredited by the well-respected Personalised Care Institute (PCI) and Association for Coaching, and is recognised by the NHS. The course covers the first Pillar of Health Coaches Academy’s Level 5 Health & Wellness Coaching Diploma, and includes the foundations and practice of coaching. It aims to give health professionals an introduction to the impact that health coaching can make, as well as showing them how it can be implemented into their daily roles. Health professionals are some of the hardest working people around, and certainly among the most selfless, this new approach could help that work become even more rewarding and productive than it already is.
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