Government unveils £15 billion plan to modernise NHS facilities

The government has announced a ten-year investment programme designed to rebuild and modernise NHS buildings across England, with capital funding rising to £15 billion by 2029/30.

The plan marks a shift from piecemeal, short-term funding towards sustained investment in facilities, equipment and technology. Nearly 800 GP surgery upgrades have already been completed under initial funding, creating capacity for an estimated nine million additional appointments. A further £200 million will support more practices to expand and improve their premises.

The strategy aims to deliver faster access to care and bring more services into local communities, reducing pressure on hospitals. For the first time, NHS providers will receive multi-year capital allocations directly, with funding confirmed until 2029/30 and indicative budgets extending five years beyond that.

The programme also includes plans to convert unused NHS land into affordable housing for healthcare workers, allowing nurses, porters and other staff to live closer to their workplaces and reduce commuting time.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the plan would help the NHS deliver major projects that improve patient care and modernise ageing infrastructure.