The Government’s engagement exercise to shape a transformative 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS is a pivotal moment for reimagining healthcare delivery in the UK. At Arcadis, we are proud to contribute our expertise to this consultation, offering insights into how the built environment can support health outcomes and address the needs of communities.
The health plan emphasises moving healthcare closer to where people live, a shift that requires rethinking delivery models, facilities, and resources. While the benefits of community-based care are clear—improved accessibility, tailored services, and enhanced well-being—realising this vision demands addressing a complex set of challenges.
Many could argue that setting ambition, strategies and the ever-present challenge to change the NHS has all been heard before but demonstrable shifts remain elusive and erode public trust. The recent headlines of A&E departments at crisis point dealing with the winter pressures goes to show the stress that exists in the healthcare system and challenge to reducing waiting lists. The key question is whether the Government can fulfil its ambition. With detailed plans to follow only time will tell but measures including streamlining existing red tape, unlocking barriers and accessible new funding will be key.
The Shift to Community-Based Care
Transitioning care from hospitals to community settings is a key element of the proposed strategy. However, this shift highlights longstanding issues, particularly in funding and resource allocation. The separation of health and social care budgets has created imbalances that must be rectified to provide the necessary headroom for community services. Without significant investment in facilities, staffing, digital and operational support, these services will struggle to meet growing demand.
Integrating community care into the broader health system also presents organisational and logistical complexities. Many care providers operate independently, making coordination difficult. Streamlining responsibilities and aligning goals will be critical. Additionally, delivering high-quality care in decentralised settings demands a workforce equipped with advanced generalist skills. Structured training pathways and competitive pay are essential to building this capacity.
Despite these challenges, the potential of community-based care is undeniable. When well-executed, it fosters stronger local connections, offers more personalised support, and eases pressure on acute healthcare facilities. Recent projects such as Gorton Community Hub, commissioned by Manchester City Council, illustrates how a vision for streamlined and integrated community services can be delivered. Programmatic oversight—a centralised approach to managing care pathways, digital solutions, and facility planning—can help navigate this transition effectively.
Harnessing Technology to Drive Transformation
Technology plays a crucial role in reimagining healthcare delivery, but its implementation must be carefully managed. The NHS’s current digital infrastructure is fragmented, with many systems operating on outdated platforms. Achieving seamless integration requires significant investment in transformation planning, system design, and workforce training.
There are also pressing concerns about cybersecurity and data privacy. Safeguarding patient information while enabling efficient data sharing between public and private organisations is essential. Equally important is addressing digital inequalities, ensuring that new solutions do not exclude vulnerable populations such as older adults or those in rural areas.
Yet, the potential of technology is transformative. Digitally enabled solutions, such as AI and advanced data analytics, can automate routine processes, optimise patient pathways, and provide real-time insights into asset utilisation. For example, using tools like Building Intelligence and Enterprise Data Analytics (EDA) allows optimisation of decision making to manage healthcare facilities more sustainably, ensuring they meet the needs of both patients and providers.
Building Resilient, Community-Focused Spaces
The physical spaces where healthcare happens are as important as the systems supporting them. Moving care into communities creates an opportunity to design facilities that prioritise accessibility, inclusivity, and opportunities for enhancing the value of underutilised assets including vacated high street premises. These spaces can serve not only as centres for treatment but as hubs for wellness, fostering stronger connections between people and the services they rely on.
At Arcadis, we believe in optimising legacy infrastructure to meet new demands. By combining digital tools with smart design, we can repurpose existing spaces, making them more efficient while reducing carbon footprints. Similarly, new community health and wellbeing centres, such as The Bevan Health and Wellbeing Centre, in Tredegar, South Wales can be designed to enhance patient experiences, support innovative care models and improve the sustainability of the healthcare system.
The consultation also highlights the broader implications of this strategy, from improving health outcomes to creating economic opportunities within communities. Investment in healthcare facilities stimulates local economies, while integrating a sensory approach into design promotes mental and physical well-being.
Shaping the Future Together
As the NHS embarks on this transformative journey, the 10-Year Health Plan represents more than a policy shift—it’s a chance to redefine how care is delivered, experienced, and sustained. By focusing on community investment, leveraging technology, and prioritising inclusive, data-driven solutions, we can create a healthier future for all.
At Arcadis, we are committed to playing our part, using our expertise to align the built environment with the evolving needs of healthcare delivery. Together, we can turn this ambitious vision into a reality.
