Cancer, mental health issues, and musculoskeletal disorders are consistently the top three conditions referred to RedArc, collectively making up over half (51%) of the conditions supported by the nurse-led organisation over the past five years.
RedArc records the primary reason for referrals to its service and currently supports around 50 separate conditions. These are mostly clinical, like the three main conditions listed above, plus others, such as diabetes and cardiac issues, but some are also life-stage or life-moment related, such as bereavement and eldercare.
To be effective, RedArc says that support must take a holistic approach - combining practical guidance to manage the condition itself and the associated symptoms and side effects of any treatment, clear signposting to appropriate NHS services, access to relevant therapies, and emotional support to help address the psychological impact of physical conditions.
RedArc also finds that being able to take time to address non-clinical issues, such as returning to work, caring responsibilities and relationship concerns, can be just as crucial as managing the core condition. Given that symptoms can vary and fluctuate, support must be flexible and tailored to meet individuals’ needs at the time, with the ability to adapt as those needs change.
"While much of our work focuses on directly supporting individuals with health conditions, it's important to recognise that people facing serious diagnoses - such as cancer, mental health challenges, or musculoskeletal disorders - often need more than just medical care," Christine Husbands, commercial consultant at RedArc, said.
She added: "Emotional and practical support are also essential. From managing responsibilities for dependants to adjusting to physical changes or navigating grief, these challenges can significantly add to their challenges during an already vulnerable time.
"Health recovery is rarely linear and should not be supported by clinical care alone. By offering holistic, personalised support, the gap can be bridged between medical needs and everyday challenges - helping individuals not only manage their conditions but also rebuild confidence and navigate whatever hurdles life demands."
