01 / Current situation in the sector 

Labour’s election manifesto in 2024 promised an increase in local healthcare, away from overburdened major hospitals and into the places where people live their everyday lives. “The National Health Service needs to move to a Neighbourhood Health Service, with more care delivered in local communities to spot problems earlier,” it said. “To achieve this, we must, over time, shift resources to primary care and community services.”

This spring, the government made good on its manifesto, announcing a programme to deliver 250 neighbourhood health centres (NHCs) as part of its 10-Year Health Plan. The first 27 are set to open by 2027.

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