Medical experts discuss future challenges of healthcare at HSMA’s inaugural conference

Last week The Howard de Walden Estate gathered medical experts from across the industry for a one day conference to discuss the future challenges of healthcare in the UK and globally. It was attended by 200 participants and was held at the Royal Society of Medicine. The event highlighted the advancements and opportunities that this fast evolving industry is presenting and the need for a collaborative approach across sectors in addressing key issues.

Chaired by the well-respected professors from University College London, Lord Kakkar (professor of surgery) and Dame Jane Dacre (professor of medical education), the forum stimulated an engaging conversation covering the aging population’s impact on our health services and the increasing shortage of skilled staff. Other major themes outlined on the day included: accessibility of affordable good quality care, the need to divert resources to preventative care and the role technology and early diagnosis play as major drivers for change and efficiency.

Mark Britnell, global chairman and senior partner for healthcare government and infrastructure at KPMG International, identified the most pressing issue in healthcare as the lack of healthcare workers:

By 2030 the world will be 18 million healthcare workers short, which represent 20 percent of the total capacity in care. The war for talent is a global phenomenon.”

Dr Victor Dzau President of US National Academy of Medicine:

This conference is all about innovation and how we can do things differently and better. For example with digital technology we can save time by connecting remotely with patients, whereas the biologic revolution and gene editing allows us to treat patients more effectively.”

Dr Dzau continued:

Immunotherapy provides a mean to cure cancer by activating human cells that attack the cancerous cells; science and technology in this area is moving with lightning speed.”

Andrew Hynard CEO The Howard de Walden Estate:

The conference has highlighted the positive collaboration that exists within the medical sector and the need to address its future challenges. The event has identified clear themes, which will help us to continue to support our established base of highly regarded practitioners and clinicians that the Harley Street Medical Area is home to.”

The Howard de Walden Estate was honoured to host the inspiring minds of:

• Rt Hon Professor the Lord Kakkar
• Professor Dame Jane Dacre
• Dr Victor Dzau from the U.S. National Academy of Medicine
• Mark Britnell, KPMG International
• Professor Sir Bruce Keogh
• Nicolaus Henke McKinsey & Company
• Professor Sir John Tooke, Academic Health Solutions
• Professor Sir John Bell, University of Oxford
• Professor Sir Simon Wessely from King’s College London
• Professor Andrew Morris from Health Data Research UK

The Howard de Walden Estate (HDWE) is the guardian of the Harley Street Medical Area (HSMA) a collective of leading hospitals, clinics and medical specialists, with a world renowned reputation for delivering outstanding patient care, through pioneering treatments and cutting edge technology. The team of experts working across HSMA’s hospital and clinics seeks not only to practice medicine, but to advance it.