The Government has published its 10-Year Plan for the NHS, signalling significant changes to the structure, delivery, and funding of healthcare in England. Below is a summary of the most pertinent developments:

Shifting Care from Hospitals to the Community

Building on the establishment of 160 Community Diagnostic Centres since 2021, the Plan introduces Neighbourhood Care Centres to further shift services out of hospitals and closer to communities.

A greater proportion of NHS funding will be redirected toward community-based care, supported by changes to payment models and funding allocations.

Integrated Services for Families and Children

The Plan promises better coordination of services for families with young children by integrating Start for Life, Family Hubs, Children’s Services, NHS provision, and public health.

However, there is no current reform outlined for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). A white paper is expected in Autumn.

Similarly, no full strategy for Adult Social Care has been presented; instead, an independent commission will inform future planning.

Primary and Preventative Care

Economies of scale required in primary care; encourage GPs to work over larger geographies leading new neighbourhood providers.

Skill mix and training to allow more clinical tasks to be performed by nurses and allied health professionals.

The role of community pharmacies will expand to include more clinical services, contributing to the shift away from hospital-based care.

New Urgent and Emergency Care payment models will incentivise care outside hospitals.

Mental Health and Youth Support

Investment in 24/7 mental health services, including the recruitment of 8,500 additional mental health staff.

Creation of mental health hubs within schools and colleges to improve early identification and support for children.

A National Youth Strategy will aim to support mental health, wellbeing, and social connection for young people.

Maternity and Neonatal Care

A new National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, will focus on improving outcomes and standards in maternity care.

Dentistry

Commitments have been made to stabilise NHS dentistry, although detailed measures remain limited other than a commitment to a “fundamental reform of the dentistry contract”.

Make all newly qualified dentists practice in the NHS for a minimum of 3 years.

Accountability and Quality of Care

A new framework for accountability and continuous improvement, including:

• Early warning systems and quality metrics
• Stronger responses to failings and transparency around mistakes
• Enhanced listening to patients
• Incentives and sanctions to promote high standards

Workforce Strategy

A drive for an NHS workforce fit for the future, including:

• Increased training opportunities and modernised management
• “Train to task” initiatives where safe
• Expanded roles for nurses and local recruitment from economically inactive groups
• 2,000 new nursing apprenticeships
• Improved access to the medical profession for people from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Exploration of remote services delivered by UK-registered clinicians abroad

Digital Transformation and AI

A significant focus on digitalisation and AI to improve productivity and reduce bureaucracy:

• All patient records to be centrally accessible to both patients and NHS providers
• De-identified data will be made available for research and innovation
• Investment in genomics, predictive analytics, robotics, and wearables
• A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with OpenAI to support AI-driven healthcare innovation

Financial Strategy

A long-term financial shift toward:

• Community-focused investment over hospital-based spending
• New funding models with sharper incentives and pay-for-performance elements
• Restoration of financial discipline, including phasing out deficit support funding from 2026/27
• A new approach to capital investment and a commitment to fairer funding distribution

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