NHS: Capital Investment

The Government is committed to building a National Health Service that is fit for the future. This means we need to see world class NHS infrastructure across the entire acute estate, and beyond hospitals into local systems and communities. We know that strategic, value for money investments in capital projects are critical to achieving this mission. This may be in new infrastructure, significant upgrades, or other targeted capital investments.

The Government routinely sets out the selection processes for major capital programmes before bids are invited and decisions are made. The assessment processes for future capital spending on the NHS estate will vary, but will consistently consider factors like deliverability, meeting the needs of patients, and ensuring value for money.

In line with the Government’s plans to deliver an NHS fit for the future and as part of our internal Spending Review preparations, the Department is currently reviewing capital requirements. The first phase of the Spending Review will conclude on 30 October 2024, with a multi-year Spending Review concluding in spring 2025. We are also working closely with NHS England to assess the long-term NHS estate needs across a range of areas. This will highlight where capital investment is best placed to deliver key outcomes, such as the productivity targets set out in the Long-Term Workforce Plan. When concluded, these processes will inform the schedule for future capital projects on the NHS estate.