Preston-based Santé Group has launched a new service called Santé Care, which is designed to address the healthcare gap in UK workplaces.
The employment benefits business has invested circa £1 million into the new venture and has partnered with Patient Advocate to deliver the new service, which is underwritten by Pulse Insurance.
According to recent industry findings, from the RSPH, 47% of UK workers lack access to basic health support at work, including routine check-ups and vaccinations — particularly in sectors like hospitality, retail, and agriculture.
Additionally, a survey published by WTW regarding health benefits, over two-thirds of employees do not receive vital protection benefits such as Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, or Dental Insurance, highlighting the growing healthcare gap that Santé Care is designed to bridge.
Alison Wignall, operations director at Santé Group, commented on the service.
“Inclusive and accessible healthcare should be a given, not a luxury. Santé Care provides employers with a practical, affordable way to support the wellbeing of every employee — not just a few with private medical cover.”
The creation of Santé Care represents a significant investment by Santé Group, with its CEO Paul Nugent adding,
“It has been a major strategic commitment — between our internal resource, the tech build, and working with leading partners, we’ve invested close to £1 million into getting this right.”
Jayne Molyneux, head of managed healthcare services at Patient Advocate, commented,
“Our partnership is about more than coverage. It’s about giving people timely, meaningful help when they need it most — and helping businesses support the people who keep them running.”
Ben Broom, Head of Pulse Health and Special Risks, concluded:
“We have been working with Santé Group for many years and are proud to support the launch of Santé Care. Alongside the recent medical products we have brought to market, Pulse has again shown we can facilitate a non-standard insurance product using our expertise in the market. Santé Care is innovative and relevant given the current climate within the NHS and the rising need to access quick and effective treatment. We continue to look at new ways to respond to customer needs and provide products that offer a new look at how we insure our health. We are excited at this recent addition.”
Santé Care offers access to qualified nurse case managers who provide expert advice, ongoing support, and NHS navigation. While Santé Care works with the NHS, it offers pathways to help navigate faster access, individual advocacy, and support services that ease the burden on state systems, making it especially valuable for early intervention and chronic condition management.
“Santé Care is about removing barriers,” added Wignall. “We’re helping employers do more than just tick a box — we’re helping them offer care that’s accessible, inclusive, and genuinely impactful.”
Sources:
https://www.rsph.org.uk/about-us/news/workplace-health-report-universal-right-healthy-workplace.html
https://www.wtwco.com/en-gb/news/2024/06/majority-of-employees-worried-about-meeting-basic-costs-wtw-survey-finds
