An innovative healthcare model, hailing from Brazil, holds the potential of saving hundreds of lives in Lincolnshire annually, according to the county’s public health director. The approach, which currently operates in Brazil, involves monthly visits from community health workers to every household, allowing for early detection of health problems and ensuring patients receive the necessary aid. Lincolnshire’s public health director has faith that this system could diminish deaths from cardiovascular diseases by a staggering 723 yearly, whilst enabling medical practitioners to conduct an additional 300,000 cancer screenings. The model assigns health workers to roughly 200 homes within their own community. This revolutionary method is one of many preventative strategies discussed in the annual public health report for Lincolnshire. During a presentation to the North Kesteven District Council, Director Derek Ward advocated for a thorough reform of the current healthcare system. He said, ‘The key thing the Brazilian system does is support the individual based on their unique requirements. It shows the immense benefit of having someone who understands the community intimately.’ The World Health Organisation endorses this Brazilian model, which has been shown to reduce cardiovascular and heart disease deaths by 34% and 21%, respectively. The scheme is also expected to boost cancer screening rates in Lincolnshire by 82%, aiding in early disease detection and decreasing costs for the NHS. Although there are no immediate plans to incorporate this system in the UK, the government is contemplating significant reforms in healthcare delivery.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk.
