UHUK’s response to the general election announcement
A pivotal moment for NHS Social Enterprises
The upcoming general election is a timely opportunity for UHUK to highlight the value of NHS social enterprises in delivering high quality care - alongside advocating for their crucial role in the essential healthcare system transformations that will directly benefit communities' health and well-being.
Urgent need for a bold approach
We need a collective approach to improve public satisfaction with the NHS, so we encourage all political parties and independent candidates to clearly articulate their plans to improve patient care, patient experience, and access to services. We urge any incoming government to adopt a bold approach that places social enterprises at the heart of urgent and integrated health service design.
The UHUK difference
UHUK members consistently demonstrate innovation, agility, and responsiveness to changing demands. They deliver cost-effective exceptional care models, with balanced books and good or outstanding CQC ratings. Unlike private enterprises, they reinvest surpluses back into improving services for their communities.
The collaborative work of our social enterprise members enables the NHS to focus on those patients with the most critical health needs. Our interventions and innovative service provisions add valuable capacity, with patient care managed outside of hospitals - freeing up NHS resources for other priorities.
Key priorities for the next government:
1. Reducing Pressure on Emergency Departments and Acute Trusts:
- UHUK members serve 64% of the UK population for urgent care, working closely with NHS partners, voluntary, community and faith organisations to coordinate patient care around the clock, every day of the year, at patients’ homes, in treatment centres, and in the community.
- By triaging and referring patients to appropriate services, they free up emergency services for those who need them most.
- We advocate for greater recognition of the role played by social enterprises and encourage authentic collaboration between social enterprise and the NHS.
2. Addressing Health Inequalities:
- UHUK members are rooted in the community and lead the local implementation of best practice.
- With our knowledge and experience, we can significantly contribute to, and actively shape, national health care policy to ensure that vulnerable and marginalised groups receive the care and support they need to achieve better health outcomes.
3. Driving Innovation and Technology:
- Through our innovation programme with Warwick University, UHUK’s social enterprises are at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
- Embracing digital health solutions, virtual care, and advanced medical technologies can revolutionise healthcare.
- We call for increased investment in this area to help us further facilitate enhanced patient care and operational efficiency.
4. Securing Funding for Urgent Care Services:
- UHUK members reduce the pressure on vital emergency services daily, integrating and collaborating with voluntary, community and faith organisations to provide person-centred care within the community.
- We call on all political parties to pledge targeted increased investment in these areas to improve patient outcomes, reduce pressure on emergency departments and acute trusts, and ensure timely access to necessary medical care for all.
- Additionally, we advocate for procurement models that recognise the added value of social enterprises within the NHS.
A call to action
As the election approaches, UHUK stands ready to work with all political leaders to ensure that social enterprises supporting the NHS remain integral to our healthcare system's future. We believe in the power of social enterprises to drive meaningful change and improve the health and well-being of our communities.