In Wessex, 21% of the population were over 65 years old with an increase to 30% predicted by 2030. This research area is divided into 3 sub themes looking at different care and health needs.

Health and social care planners have been asked to address highest cost preventable causes of ill health, reduce healthcare demand and tackle health inequalities working closely with local councils. 

15 million people in England have one or more long term conditions. The number of people with three or more long term conditions will rise to 2.9 million by 2018 according to Health Education England 

Staffing is the make-or-break issue for the NHS in England and the King's Fund says action is now required to avoid a cycle of growing shortages and declining quality.