Disease prevention could save £29m - health report

Jersey could save nearly £29m by preventing diseases before they need treatment, a new government report has said.

In his annual report Prof Peter Bradley, Jersey's director of Public Health, said a "modest" reduction of 5% in preventable diseases could save £28.8m while a 1% drop could save £5.7m.

Health conditions caused by issues such as obesity, smoking, drinking and low household income could contribute to people spending nearly 40% more days in hospital beds by 2053, he said.

Prof Bradley said as Jersey's "population ages, we anticipate an increase in demand for health and care services, such as GP appointments and hospital bed days - improved prevention would reduce this".

He said: "The evidence is clear: many of the most common and costly health conditions - such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers - are largely preventable."

Prof Bradley said prevention was "not just about avoiding illness", but helping people "live longer, healthier, and more productive lives".

About half the predicted savings would come from hospital services, Prof Bradley said, with other significant savings to long-term care and medical equipment.

The report also highlighted benefits for businesses and the economy from preventing diseases and mental health conditions.

Statistics from the UK suggest preventing illness is about four times cheaper than treating it.

And research from Deloitte indicated every £1 spent by employers on employees' mental health returned £5 of value.

While smoking and obesity was more likely in low income households, high alcohol consumption was more common in high income households.

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