Modern methods of construction (MMC) specialist, Darwin Group, has highlighted the importance of hospital estates following the publication of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, which puts emphasis on delivering care closer to home.

With the focus on neighbourhood health services, Darwin Group has issued a warning to the Government not to ‘lose sight of secondary care estates’, which is says need to be prioritised alongside primary and community care to avoid delays in the patient journey.

Nick Dawe, managing director at Darwin Group, said: “We absolutely support the ambition to move more care into communities.

You can’t fix the front door while the back door is jammed

“But, unless hospitals have safe, modern spaces and the capacity to support specialist services, the system will continue to come under strain.

“You can’t fix the front door while the back door is jammed.”

He added: “As experts in volumetric modular healthcare construction, Darwin Group supports the plan’s ambition to expand GP access and invest in neighbourhood health centres.

“Yet, despite the focus on community care, Darwin Group urges the Government not to lose sight of the ongoing crisis in secondary care estates.

“In fact, there is concern that the entire patient journey will continue to break down if the continued pressure on hospitals and specialist services are not also addressed.

With record waiting lists, a maintenance backlog of £13.8bn, and a hospital estate that’s struggling to meet modern standards, the secondary care system is under significant pressure.

There is concern that the entire patient journey will continue to break down if the continued pressure on hospitals and specialist services are not also addressed

“While the 10-Year Health Plan promises progress, Darwin Group is calling for renewed investment and smarter, more-agile infrastructure solutions to address bottlenecks across the whole system.

“The secondary care estate must not be forgotten.

“If we’re serious about delivering a health system that works end-to-end, hospitals need to be part of the solution, not left behind. “Flexible, future-proofed estates are critical to making the plan deliverable.”