Is Community the Secret to Better Healthcare? Insights from the New Archbishop of Canterbury

Dame Sarah Mullally, the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, has prioritised the healthcare system's pressures in her New Year’s message, advocating for holistic services to improve community health. Drawing from her extensive experience as an NHS nurse, she emphasised the critical need for accessible healthcare and community support to address the root causes of hospital admissions.

Last updated: 28 January 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

Dame Sarah Mullally will assume her role as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury on 28 January 2024. In her recent address, she highlighted the growing pressures on the UK healthcare system, particularly in the context of social and palliative care services. She believes community support, alongside traditional medical interventions, can play a vital role in improving public health outcomes.

Key takeaways

• Dame Sarah Mullally emphasises the importance of holistic healthcare services.
• She advocates for community support to address root causes of hospital admissions.
• Churches can provide essential social services that complement medical care.

Timeline: how we got here

Since Dame Sarah Mullally's selection as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the following key events have occurred:

• January 2023: Dame Sarah announces her focus on healthcare in her New Year’s message.
• October 2022: Justin Welby announces his resignation, leading to Dame Sarah's appointment.
• July 2022: The Church of England begins discussions on the future direction of leadership in light of recent scandals.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Dame Sarah's New Year’s message underscores her commitment to integrating healthcare with faith-based community support, marking a significant shift in the Church of England's focus under her leadership.

What was already established

The Church of England has long been involved in community support initiatives, but Dame Sarah is now specifically highlighting holistic care as a critical component of healthcare, reflecting her background as a nurse.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As healthcare services face increasing demand and strain, Dame Sarah’s emphasis on community support could lead to more integrated care options for households. Her call for churches to play a role in providing health check-ups and social services may enhance community health, especially in under-resourced areas.

Businesses and jobs

Church-run initiatives may create opportunities for local businesses to partner in health-related services, promoting community engagement and potentially creating jobs in the sector. This could help alleviate some pressure on the NHS by diverting non-critical cases to community resources.

Policy and regulation

Dame Sarah’s leadership may influence future Church policies regarding healthcare, potentially advocating for closer collaboration between health services and community organisations. However, her handling of an abuse allegation may complicate her tenure and the Church's policies moving forward.

Numbers that matter

• 1: Number of female Archbishops of Canterbury, with Dame Sarah set to make history.
• 28 January 2024: Date of Dame Sarah's official enthronement as Archbishop.
• 5–10%: Estimated increase in NHS admissions due to social issues, highlighting the need for community support.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Holistic care: An approach to healthcare that considers the whole person, including physical, mental, and social factors.
• Palliative care: A specialised medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms and stress of serious illness.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As Dame Sarah begins her role, expect her to engage in discussions with health professionals and community leaders to understand the most pressing needs in healthcare delivery.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, she may implement programs that foster collaboration between churches and local health services, advocating for greater community involvement in health initiatives.

Signals to watch

• Feedback from community health initiatives led by churches.
• Policy changes within the Church regarding healthcare services.
• Public responses to Dame Sarah’s leadership and any controversies that may arise.

Practical guidance

Do

• Engage with local health services to understand available community resources.
• Participate in community health initiatives, such as church-led health check-ups.

Don’t

• Overlook the importance of social support in health recovery.
• Ignore signs of community health issues that could be addressed through local initiatives.

Checklist

• Find out what local churches offer in terms of health services.
• Get involved in community health events to support others.
• Stay informed about changes in healthcare policies affecting your area.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There is ongoing scrutiny regarding the Church's handling of abuse allegations, which could impact Dame Sarah's ability to lead effectively. Additionally, the integration of community support into healthcare is still a developing concept, with varying levels of acceptance and implementation across different regions.

Bottom line

Dame Sarah Mullally's appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury heralds a potential shift towards greater integration of healthcare and community support within the Church of England. Her focus on holistic care may help alleviate some pressure on the NHS, but the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on community engagement and institutional support.

FAQs

What is holistic healthcare?

Holistic healthcare is an approach that considers the whole person—physical, mental, and social aspects—rather than just focusing on symptoms of illness.

When will Dame Sarah Mullally be officially installed as Archbishop?

Dame Sarah Mullally will be officially installed as Archbishop of Canterbury on 28 January 2024.

What role does community support play in healthcare?

Community support can address underlying social issues that contribute to health problems, providing resources and assistance that complement traditional medical care.