bflounders
exi welcomes the publication of Lord Darzi’s assessment of the status of the nation’s health and health services.
As a multi-disciplinary design and construction consultancy, we recognise the urgent need for strategic investment in the NHS, following the recommendations of Lord Darzi’s independent review of the NHS in England.
The report highlights an alarming trend: the NHS has been systematically starved of capital compared to its counterparts in other developed nations. This underfunding, particularly in infrastructure, is weakening the foundation of healthcare in the UK.
One of the key issues raised by Lord Darzi’s report is the over-investment in hospital services, which has come at the expense of other critical sectors of healthcare, such as primary care, mental health, and community services. By focusing too heavily on hospitals, the NHS risks neglecting the wider health infrastructure that is essential for delivering comprehensive care, especially in local communities. A more balanced approach to funding is needed, with investment channelled into the right areas to enable the entire healthcare system to function optimally.
The government has committed to releasing a new 10-year NHS Plan this Spring. This ambitious strategy is expected to chart the future of the NHS and address these longstanding imbalances in funding. As we look ahead to the October Budget, we are hopeful that significant new capital funding will be allocated to set this plan in motion. However, it is important to recognise that new funding, while essential, will not resolve every challenge the NHS faces.
Access to this new funding will likely be highly competitive. Organisations seeking to benefit from capital investment must be prepared with robust, well-considered strategies. The best-positioned organisations will be those with an integrated estates strategy aligned with a clear clinical services plan. Having a comprehensive and feasible approach will be crucial to securing the financial resources needed for vital projects.
At exi, stand ready to support healthcare organisations through this process. With extensive experience in multidisciplinary design and construction, we are ideally placed to help NHS trusts and other healthcare providers develop investment-ready feasibility studies for their estate needs. These studies will form the backbone of strong business cases, enabling organisations to access funds when they become available.
As the landscape of healthcare funding shifts, ensuring that estates and facilities are prepared for future demands is essential. exi is committed to working alongside healthcare organisations to provide the expertise and guidance necessary for building a sustainable, resilient, and adaptable healthcare infrastructure for the future. By acting now and developing comprehensive strategies, we can help ensure that NHS facilities are fit for purpose in the decades to come, aligning with the broader vision of delivering world-class healthcare to everyone in the UK.
In the months ahead, exi will continue to monitor developments surrounding the 10-Year NHS Plan and offer support to our partners and clients, ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to playing our part in shaping a stronger, more resilient NHS for future generations.
Please get in touch to learn more about exi’s multi-disciplinary consultancy services.
