Healthier Together 2040 is for everyone living in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire who uses health and care services now and into the future.
To ensure everyone is able to access health and care, we are identifying and working with groups of people who may need the most support in future, including:
children and young people
people with multiple health needs who are also disadvantaged, such as those living with a learning disability, drug/alcohol dependency, or homelessness
people living with multiple long-term conditions (like pain, diabetes, or depression) who are working and may be caring for others
older people with multiple long-term health conditions which impact their day-to-day lives
During the first phase of Healthier Together 2040 we reviewed national and local trends to shape how the local health and care system might need to change by 2040. Here are some important considerations:
People will likely live for longer in poor health, experiencing multiple health conditions from a younger age.
Individuals in more deprived areas will face these health challenges at a higher rate and at younger age, driven by inequalities and a collision of health and social factors.
The working-age population is growing more slowly than older population groups, presenting workforce and economic challenges.
Many existing buildings, particularly in primary care, are no longer fit for purpose. With many more houses due to be built locally, the expected population increase will drive further demand.
Currently there is a concentration of health and care services in urban areas, while many older people live in rural communities.
A greater focus on mental wellbeing is needed, especially for young people, working-age adults, and healthcare staff.
New technologies including AI (Artificial Intelligence), treatments and digital health solutions, along with climate change, political and economic instability and potential future pandemics will present opportunities and potential threats.
