The NHS has unveiled a landmark 10-Year Capital Plan, aiming to revolutionise healthcare facilities across England with a sustained approach to infrastructure development. By 2029/30, a record capital budget of £15 billion is expected, paving the way for long-overdue upgrades and expansions that will transform patient care.
A major focus of the plan is to bring care closer to patients' homes by upgrading primary care services. So far, nearly 800 GP surgeries have benefited from modernisation efforts, facilitating an additional 9 million appointments. An extra £200 million has been allocated for further upgrades and expansions, aiming to make it easier for patients to access local healthcare and alleviate pressure on hospitals.
The initiative also tackles the issue of dilapidated NHS buildings, where over 4,100 disruptions to patient care occurred last year due to building failures. The government is committing at least £6.75 billion over nine years to repair hospitals, replace unsafe structures, and address the maintenance backlog. This includes a £2 billion programme specifically for removing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from affected hospitals, ensuring patient and staff safety.
The plan confirms plans to develop 250 Neighbourhood Health Centres, integrating GPs, diagnostic services, community care, and other health services under one roof. This will make it more convenient for patients to access a range of care without needing hospital visits. Additionally, investments in technology are planned, including improvements to the NHS App and implementing a Single Patient Record system to streamline information sharing.
To support healthcare workers, the plan proposes using unused NHS land to build affordable homes, enabling nurses and other staff to live closer to their workplaces. This aims to reduce commuting times and costs, as well as attract and retain staff in areas with high housing expenses. Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth stressed that the plan represents a long-term commitment to rebuilding the health service, providing modern facilities and faster access to care nationwide.
The government is also streamlining approval processes for projects valued up to £300 million, aiming to accelerate project delivery and bring benefits to patients sooner. A further announcement on the implementation timeline is expected in the coming months.