Some of the most marginalised ‘iceberg issues’ were on the Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries’ health and wellbeing summit (AMII) agenda.
AMII chairman Dave Middleton discussed the pandemic’s impact and the many challenges still faced as a nation before introducing the themes of the event which were mental health, women’s health, and the future of healthcare.
Around 120 representatives of healthcare businesses and organisations from across the country attended the summit, which took place on November 17 in London.
Middleton said: “When it comes to mental health, it does feel like there is more openness in the workplace around what used to be a taboo subject. However, sadly, there are some that still believe that those affected should just ‘pull their socks up’. I am a trustee of a mental health charity that has seen an unbelievable increase in those seeking help recently, and this is an area, along with many gender-specific wellbeing challenges, creating some of the most marginalised yet pressing iceberg issues in our workplaces.”
Dr. Judith Mohring, a consultant psychiatrist with more than 20 years’ experience specialising in mental health in the workplace, spoke to the delegates about how the covid-19 pandemic has affected people’s mental health.
She said: “The pandemic led to a dramatic increase in gross national anxiety; 20 months on our stress levels have still not normalised. The long-term impact of this is uncertain. The evidence for simple interventions to safeguard mental wellbeing remains as powerful and relevant as ever.”
Dr Mohring shared the most recent statistics, which show that 1.6 million people are still on mental health waiting lists and that a shortage of 7,250 specialist mental health nurses is expected over the next three years. She investigated the solutions businesses can provide, methods to help people thrive at work, and steps for mental health first aid.
Karolina Afors, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, also spoke at the healthcare event. She has a particular interest in menopause, endometriosis, and minimal access to gynaecological surgery.
Afors said: “Awareness of women’s health issues and an understanding of the barriers women face is key to supporting and retaining talent. Promoting wellbeing creates positive working environments where individuals and organisations can thrive.
“During the pandemic, women became jugglers trying to keep a number of balls in the air, which increased stress and impacted both physical and mental health. Using digital platforms, like Syrona health, to provide personalised support for life-stage specific women’s health issues such as endometriosis, PCOS, fertility, parenthood, and menopause is key for a productive workforce.”
Aviva Health UK managing director Steve Bridger spoke about the future of healthcare.
Bridger said: “It’s important to understand the megatrends we face and how these will shape the way we live in the future. From ageing and wellbeing through o artificial intelligence and sustainability – these all create challenges and opportunities.
“What’s more, technology is rapidly changing healthcare. We will move from a reactive model of health to a wider system that can predict, prevent and personalise medicine. These are the kinds of things we need to be preparing for over the coming years – ensuring we’re making the most of the opportunities that these create.”