Health Services: Infrastructure
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring that housing targets are supported by investment in NHS infrastructure and services.
Answered by Department of Health and Social Care
We understand the challenges that significant housing growth can place on National Health Service infrastructure. Whilst we have big ambitions to further boost house building, we recognise it must be sensitive to local needs, including health care provision.
That is why over the course of our 10-Year Health Plan, we aim to establish a neighbourhood health centre (NHC) in every community, transforming healthcare access by bringing historically hospital-based services into communities.
We have committed to deliver 250 NHCs by 2035, with approximately 120 centres operational by 2030 delivered through a blend of upgrade schemes and new builds. In March, we announced Wave 1 of NHC upgrade schemes, with 27 sites across England selected to bring care closer to home and backed by approximately £50 million.
The Department of Health and Social Care is also working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government to determine how developer contributions from new housing developments can be better used towards local health services and infrastructure.
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