Healix Health Services saw an 87 per cent increase in the number of GP consultations it provides in the first half of 2021.
The data, from its virtual TrustDoc service, showed that there had been signficant increases in orthopaedics and MSK consultations when compared to 2020. Data from Healix’s Holistic Health service show that almost half of consultations delivered this year were emotional wellbeing focused.
Healix says this increase has clear links to the pandemic. Working from home, often without the correct equipment, has resulted in an increase in people needing orthopaedic or MSK focused services to correct or mitigate resulting problems. Alongside this, the pandemic has had a well-documented impact on individuals’ mental health, with one in five adults having experienced some form of depression since the pandemic began – double pre-pandemic levels.
It says this surging demand underlines the need for businesses to invest in their employees’ health and wellbeing, with more support needed now than ever before.
Ian Talbot, CEO of Healix Health Services, says: “Private medical care has played a big part in relieving the pressure on the NHS over the course of the pandemic, not only by providing additional space and equipment to the public sector, but also by caring for a large cohort of people who would otherwise depend on the NHS.
“That said, some PMI policies overlook important conditions. Areas like mental health, emotional wellbeing and MSK issues are often not covered, but our data is showing that demand for help in these areas is vastly increasing as a direct result of the pandemic. The challenges of the past 18 months have brought employee’s health and wellbeing to the fore, and that needs to be translated into practical support for employees.”
He adds: “We understand how vital it is to support our clients in this journey and with additional cover for long-Covid, women’s health support, and a virtual GP service that offers help with mental and emotional wellbeing, we can ensure our clients’ healthcare policies are tailored to support the diverse needs of their entire workforce.
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