Graham Ewart, CEO of Direct Healthcare Group

The CEO of healthcare manufacturer Direct Healthcare Group is calling for urgent funding for the healthcare sector to prevent a critical failure in the event of another pandemic or national emergency.

Graham Ewart, CEO of Direct Healthcare Group commented: “It is evident from the past 16 months that we urgently need targeted investment in the UK health system.

“Despite the clear and obvious failings throughout this pandemic, from the lack of PPE to overwhelming capacity pressures, my deepest fear is that we aren’t moving fast enough, or deep enough, to cover ourselves against future surges in infections or additional national emergencies.”

Direct Healthcare Group is the UK’s fastest growing exporter of healthcare products and is recorded by the Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 2021 as having the fastest growing profit for any UK private business.

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Ewart continued: “Just as in business, preparedness against a crisis is key for any functional society, yet from its outset, the Covid pandemic has starkly uncovered our worrying lack of preparation to navigate healthcare emergencies.”

“Pitched against other European countries, our critical care teams in particular have been left vastly exposed.”

“This is nothing new. The surges seen with the annual ‘flu season’ have been ongoing for over a decade, and yet far from investing in greater capacity, more preventative measures or higher wages to attract more into the sector – all of which would reduce the burden on healthcare, we have instead seen the sector struggle and falter, unjustly and unfairly, so much so that these ‘winter pressures’ have been accepted as a norm.”

“In order to truly lead the world in healthcare and provide the very best care for those in need, we urgently need to see a firm commitment to long term planning and funding support from those at the top.”

“Now is not the time for pride, but a time to draw on all aspects and learnings of the past 16 months, in order to improve the sector for those within it and those who benefit from its care.”

“Without this commitment to investment, the ability to sustain our healthcare system against ongoing Covid pressures or future unexpected crises, is itself in critical care.”

Direct Healthcare Group is a pan-European medical devices manufacturer and a global leader in pressure care management, moving and handling equipment, specialist seating and bathroom safety solutions in hospitals, acute care environments, residential care homes and private homes.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Caerphilly, Wales, DHG employs over 600 people and has a direct presence in five European countries, with its products distributed in a further 35 international markets. DHG recently won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2021.

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