Government Unveils Major Plan to Bring Healthcare Closer to Home

The Government has today (Thursday 26th March, 2026)announced a major investment to bring new or improved health centres directly into local communities. A £50 million investment will see 27 neighbourhood health centres developed by 2027 with the aim of bringing care closer to home, and a further 250 centres rolled out by 2036. These plans are part of the landmark 10 Year Health Plan to boost access to healthcare, cut waiting lists and tackle inequalities.

Expanding community health facilities closer to where people live reflects the evidence NHSA/HEN has consistently presented to policymakers: that place‑based health services, embedded within communities, are essential to improving outcomes and narrowing inequalities across the North. Our reports on regional wealth, prevention, women’s health, and community‑centred approaches have repeatedly called for  this kind of investment to boost local capacity and support earlier, more equitable access to care.

Hannah Davies, CEO of the Northern Health Science Alliance and Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: “We welcome this commitment to strengthening community‑based health services. This commitment has the potential to make a real difference in the areas that need it most. By improving access to primary and preventative services, the initiative supports stronger, healthier communities and aligns with our recommendations for tackling long‑standing regional disparities. For residents facing significant barriers to care – including those living in deprived neighbourhoods, coastal communities, and areas experiencing chronic under‑investment – these new hubs could provide a vital link to timely support, integrated services, and opportunities to improve health across the life course.

“Bringing high‑quality, accessible facilities closer to where people live directly reflects what our research has shown time and again: investing in local, preventative and primary care is one of the most effective ways to reduce health inequalities. This move aligns strongly with the recommendations set out in our reports and will help ensure that support reaches the areas of greatest need. Strengthening community assets in this way has the potential to improve outcomes, build resilience, and create healthier futures for people across the North.”