The NHS New Hospital Programme

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The NHS New Hospital Programme (NHP) is one of the largest attempts in a generation to modernise England’s hospital estate. Established in 2020, the programme was originally presented as a plan to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030. Its purpose was to replace ageing and unsafe buildings, improve patient care, provide better working environments for NHS staff and introduce more modern technology and sustainable hospital design.

However, the programme has experienced significant delays, rising costs and changes in scope. In January 2025, the government reset the programme, replacing the original timetable with a longer-term plan based on several waves of investment. By 2026, the programme had moved from planning and review towards a more structured delivery phase.

 

Why is the New Hospital Programme needed?

Much of the NHS estate in England is ageing and requires substantial investment. Older buildings can be expensive to maintain and may not be suitable for modern healthcare. Problems can include outdated infrastructure, inefficient layouts, poor ventilation and inadequate facilities for patients and staff.

The presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in a number of NHS hospitals has added urgency to the programme. Hospitals containing RAAC have been prioritised because of the safety risks associated with the material. The 2025 programme reset specifically placed a number of RAAC hospitals into the earlier delivery wave.

Modernising hospitals is also important because demand for NHS services is changing. An ageing population, advances in medical technology and increasing pressure on emergency and planned care mean that hospitals need facilities that can support new models of healthcare.

 

From the original 40 hospitals to a revised programme

When the NHP was established in 2020, the government committed to delivering 40 new hospitals by 2030. The programme was subsequently expanded and was described as involving more than £20 billion of investment.

By 2024, however, concerns had emerged about whether the original timetable and funding commitments were realistic. A government review concluded that the programme was significantly delayed and did not have a sufficiently secure funding plan.

In January 2025, the government announced a major reset. It confirmed that all schemes would continue to receive capital investment, but construction would take place over a much longer period. The revised programme was divided into waves:

Wave 0: schemes already under construction or sufficiently advanced.

Wave 1: schemes expected to begin construction between 2025 and 2030.

Wave 2: schemes expected to begin construction between 2030 and 2035.

Wave 3: schemes expected to begin construction between 2035 and 2039.

The government committed to investment of up to £15 billion in each five-year spending period, equivalent to an average of around £3 billion a year.

The revised approach therefore represents a significant change from the original ambition of having the projects completed by 2030. Instead, it aims to provide a more affordable and realistic pipeline for hospital construction over the following decades.

 

How many hospitals are involved?

The programme has also evolved in terms of how its projects are counted. The latest NHS New Hospital Programme annual report describes the programme as involving 46 hospital schemes across England, with £9.6 billion of funding over the current spending review period. Seven schemes were open to patients at the time of the 2025–26 annual report.

These include major developments such as the Royal Liverpool Hospital, the Dyson Cancer Centre in Bath, Midland Metropolitan University Hospital and the redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

The fact that the programme is described as a collection of “schemes” is important. Not every scheme represents a completely new hospital on a previously undeveloped site. Some involve major redevelopment, replacement buildings, extensions or projects covering more than one hospital site.

 

The Hospital 2.0 approach

A central feature of the revised programme is Hospital 2.0, a standardised approach to designing and constructing NHS hospitals.

Rather than designing every hospital completely from scratch, Hospital 2.0 aims to create common standards, designs and construction methods that can be adapted to local circumstances. The intention is to reduce unnecessary costs and construction time while maintaining flexibility for individual hospitals.

The approach includes features such as single bedrooms, easier-to-navigate layouts, modern digital systems and more efficient use of hospital space. The government says standardisation should help improve productivity, quality and value for money.

In July 2026, the government announced that NHS trusts and construction partners had signed 11 long-term partnerships to deliver the next phase of hospital projects. These partnerships are intended to make construction more efficient and support the use of the Hospital 2.0 model.

 

Progress so far

The programme has now moved beyond being purely a future construction plan. Several facilities are already open, while others are under construction or progressing through detailed business cases and planning.

According to the 2025–26 annual report, seven NHP schemes were open to patients. Other projects had reached different stages, including construction, planning, land acquisition and business-case development.

During 2025–26, for example, construction started on the Derriford Emergency Care Hospital in Plymouth, while major construction work continued on projects such as Brighton 3Ts. Several hospitals containing RAAC continued through the business-case process, with the aim of addressing their long-term infrastructure problems.

The programme is therefore progressing at different speeds depending on the individual hospital, its funding, planning requirements, land availability and construction readiness.

 

Funding and value for money

Funding is one of the most important issues surrounding the New Hospital Programme. Large hospital projects can cost hundreds of millions or even billions of pounds, and construction costs have increased considerably in recent years.

The 2025 reset was partly designed to address this problem by creating a longer and more affordable timetable. Rather than attempting to construct all projects simultaneously, the government is using five-year investment waves.

The 2025–26 annual report states that £1.83 billion had been provided to trusts since the 2021–22 financial year for NHP schemes, with most of this funding supporting earlier-wave projects.

The government has also attempted to improve procurement and construction efficiency. The introduction of standardised hospital designs and longer-term relationships with construction companies is intended to provide better value for taxpayers.

 

What will the programme mean for patients?

For patients, the benefits should ultimately go beyond having newer buildings.

Modern hospitals can be designed around patient safety and experience. Single bedrooms can provide greater privacy, while clearer layouts can make hospitals easier to navigate. Better facilities can also improve infection control, accessibility and the overall environment in which patients receive treatment.

Modern buildings can additionally accommodate new medical technologies and changing models of care. This is particularly important as more diagnostic and treatment services become increasingly technology-dependent.

However, patients should not expect every benefit to appear immediately. Many projects will take years to complete, particularly those in the later waves. The government has also acknowledged that the programme needs to operate alongside wider efforts to improve existing NHS buildings.

 

Benefits for NHS staff

Hospital buildings have a significant impact on staff as well as patients. Outdated buildings can create difficult working conditions, while inefficient layouts can increase the time staff spend moving between departments.

The New Hospital Programme aims to provide modern clinical environments that are safer, more efficient and better suited to contemporary healthcare.

The programme’s standardised approach is also intended to make hospital design more consistent. This could allow lessons learned from one project to be applied to another, potentially reducing duplication and improving the way hospitals are designed and constructed.

 

Wider NHS investment

The New Hospital Programme is only one element of the government’s wider plans for NHS infrastructure.

The government’s 10 Year Capital Plan, published in July 2026, sets out a broader programme of investment in hospitals, primary care facilities and other NHS infrastructure. It also emphasises providing more healthcare closer to people’s homes rather than relying exclusively on large hospitals.

This means that the future NHS estate is likely to involve a combination of major hospitals, neighbourhood health centres, community services, diagnostic facilities and upgraded GP surgeries.

In September 2026, the government also announced more than £1.5 billion for over 950 NHS infrastructure projects, including major hospital improvements, maintenance, safety work, ventilation and cooling systems.

 

Challenges facing the programme

Despite the progress, the New Hospital Programme faces several significant challenges.

First, construction on this scale is expensive and takes many years. Changes in construction prices, interest rates, supply chains and labour availability can all affect costs and schedules.

Second, the programme has to balance the need for new hospitals with the need to maintain the existing NHS estate. Hospitals cannot simply wait for a new building to be completed before essential repairs are made to their current facilities.

Third, the programme has already experienced delays. The 2025 reset acknowledged that the original timetable was unrealistic and introduced a substantially longer delivery schedule. The success of the revised programme will therefore depend heavily on whether it can maintain realistic budgets and timelines over successive governments and spending reviews.

Finally, there is the challenge of ensuring that standardisation does not come at the expense of local needs. Hospitals serve different populations and provide different combinations of specialist services. Hospital 2.0 therefore needs to provide common standards while still allowing individual NHS trusts to design facilities around their local communities.

 

The NHS New Hospital Programme: Conclusion

The NHS New Hospital Programme represents a major investment in the future of healthcare infrastructure in England. Its central objective is to replace or modernise ageing hospital facilities and create buildings capable of supporting the NHS for decades to come.

The programme has, however, changed considerably since it was first announced in 2020. The original ambition to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030 was replaced in 2025 by a longer-term, phased programme designed to be more affordable and achievable. By 2026, the programme was entering a more active delivery phase, supported by Hospital 2.0 and new partnerships between NHS trusts and the construction industry.

Its ultimate success will depend not simply on how many hospitals are built, but on whether they are delivered safely, affordably and on time—and whether they genuinely improve the experience of patients and staff. If those objectives are achieved, the New Hospital Programme could play an important role in creating an NHS estate that is safer, more efficient and better prepared for the healthcare demands of the future.

Absorbent mats for Community Hospitals

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Our absorbent mats for community hospitals can be used in a variety of applications in Minor Injuries Units and Urgent Treatment Centres.

They can be placed on floors in procedural and treatment areas to capture acute liquid spills, irrigation fluids, or body fluids.

This could be for community bladder and bowel services, wound care, minor injuries, or surgery.

Here are some of our absorbent mats for community hospitals:

DryMax XL Absorbent Mats for Community Hospitals

Measuring 100 x 75cm, the DryMax XL mat has a topside that can absorb 2 litres of fluid and an underside that is leakproof and anti-slip.

The mats can be cut to any size that you require and are very useful for placing on the floor where spills might result from treatments, services or scrubbing up.

For more information on our DryMax XL absorbent anti-slip mats click here.

Riskpads for Samples and Waste Containers

Community hospitals that handle blood and tissue samples in their laboratories can use our superabsorbent Riskpads as the absorbent material that needs to be placed in the secondary packaging of a triple packaging solution.

In addition, they can be used at the bottom of hazardous waste containers, or to absorb small, localised spills of blood and other bodily fluids.

Once the fluid is absorbed it turns to gel to avoid leaks and drips.

Click here to find out about the four sizes available.

T-Mat Superabsorbent Mats

Ideal for community hospitals that carry out surgery, our T-Mat superabsorbent floor mat is capable of absorbing fluid from the bottom and the top. Each mat can absorb up to 8.5 litres of bodily or irrigation fluid or 2.5 litres of saline.

It then turns the fluid to gel, for quick and easy disposal an clinical waste without the risk of drips and cross-contamination.

For more information on our T-mat absorbent mat click here.

Interested in our Absorbent Mats for Community Hospitals?

If you would like to discuss our range of absorbent mats for community hospitals, or you would like to try some free samples, please email us at info@cairntechnology.com or call us on 0333 015 4345.

Medical Supplies for Pathology Laboratories

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We supply medical supplies for pathology laboratories to help staff safely clear up chemical spills and infectious materials. This is not only important to help protect laboratory staff from chemicals and infectious pathogens, but also to minimise slip hazards.

Our Medical Supplies for Pathology Laboratories include:

 

  • Biohazard Spill Kits for Infection Control

As pathology laboratories handle potentially infectious materials every day, having a Biohazard Spill Kit to hand is essential for the safe clear-up of bodily fluids, human blood, unfixed tissues and culture media.

By using our Biohazard Spill Kit you can safely clean, contain and dispose of potentially infectious material, as well as any contaminated materials that have come into contact with this.

For more information on our Biohazard Spill Kit click here.

 

  • Chemical Spill Stations for Formalin Spills

If there is a risk of you spilling Formalin or other toxic chemicals in your pathology laboratory, then our Chemical Spill Stations can help you handle these spills quickly and safely.

Available as a Fast Response carrying case version or as a wall-mounted version, our chemical spill stations contain all of the necessary cleaning equipment and personal protective equipment for two people to clear a spill of up to 5 litres.

For more information on our chemical spill stations click here.

 

  • Riskpad Superabsorbent Pads For Pathology Specimens

Pathology departments in the UK require a triple packaging system for transporting diagnostic specimens to comply with UN3373 regulations for Biological Substance, Category B.

Our superabsorbent Riskpads are the ideal absorbent material to be included in the secondary packaging of this triple packaging system.

Just place a Riskpad inside your secondary packaging, such as a watertight, leak-proof plastic bag, or a secondary container.

Then, if there is a leak of Formalin from the primary packaging, the Riskpad will absorb the spill and turn the fluid to gel to prevent dripping.

Our Riskpads are also ideal for use in the triple packaging system required for transporting any gene therapy product in line with UN 3245 guidance and Packing Instruction P904/PI959.

For more information on our Riskpads click here.

 

  • DryMax XL Absorbent Anti-Slip Mats for Laboratories

Our DryMax XL mat is an absorbent anti-slip floor mat that can be placed in scrub areas to absorb spills.

The absorbent top layer can absorb up to 2 litres of fluid, after which the mat can be easily disposed of in clinical waste.

Each mat measures 100cm x 75cm and can be cut to whatever size works best in your scrub area.

Some laboratories also use them to line their COSHH cupboard to absorb any unexpected spills.

For more information on our DryMax XL mats click here.

 

Looking for Medical Supplies for Pathology Laboratories? 

If you are interested in finding out more about our medical supplies for pathology laboratories click here.

Alternatively, feel free to call our medical sales team on 0333 015 4345 or email us at info@cairntechnology.com

Which anaesthetic gases are used in UK hospitals?

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Anaesthetic gases are an important part of modern general anaesthesia. They allow anaesthetists to maintain unconsciousness and, in some circumstances, provide analgesia during surgery and other procedures.

In UK hospitals, the main inhaled agents encountered are sevoflurane, isoflurane and nitrous oxide, while desflurane has been largely withdrawn from routine use in England because of its exceptionally high environmental impact.

It is worth noting that not all “anaesthetic gases” are gases at room temperature. Sevoflurane, isoflurane and desflurane are volatile liquids stored in bottles and converted into vapour by an anaesthetic machine. Nitrous oxide, by contrast, is supplied as a compressed/liquefied gas.

Sevoflurane

Sevoflurane is one of the principal volatile anaesthetic agents used in UK hospitals. It can be used for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia and is particularly useful when inhalational induction is desirable, including in some children.

Advantages

A major advantage of sevoflurane is that it is relatively non-irritating to the airway. This makes it suitable for inhalational induction, where the patient breathes the anaesthetic vapour rather than receiving an intravenous induction drug.

It also has a relatively rapid onset and offset compared with older volatile agents. This allows anaesthetists to adjust the depth of anaesthesia relatively easily during an operation.

Sevoflurane is also considerably preferable to desflurane from an environmental perspective. Its global-warming impact is substantially lower, which is one reason UK hospitals have increasingly favoured it as desflurane use has been reduced.

Disadvantages

Sevoflurane is still a greenhouse gas, so it is not environmentally neutral. Anaesthetic vapour that is exhaled by the patient is normally removed through the hospital’s waste-anaesthetic-gas scavenging system, but some ultimately reaches the atmosphere.

It can also produce fluoride-containing degradation products in the anaesthetic breathing system, although modern clinical use has not generally made this a major practical limitation.

Another disadvantage is that, like all general anaesthetic agents, sevoflurane can contribute to low blood pressure and respiratory depression. Its use therefore requires continuous monitoring by appropriately trained anaesthetic staff.

Isoflurane

Isoflurane is an older volatile anaesthetic that remains clinically useful, although it is generally less favoured for routine modern anaesthesia than sevoflurane.

Advantages

Isoflurane is effective for maintaining general anaesthesia and has been used extensively for many years. It is potent, relatively inexpensive and familiar to anaesthetists.

Its long-established clinical use means there is extensive experience with the drug, including in situations where a volatile agent is required but rapid changes in anaesthetic depth are less important.

Disadvantages

The principal clinical disadvantage is its slower onset and recovery compared with some of the newer volatile agents. This can make it less attractive when rapid emergence from anaesthesia is desirable.

Isoflurane can also cause cardiovascular and respiratory depression, particularly at higher concentrations.

From an environmental perspective, isoflurane is worse than sevoflurane. Its global-warming potential is substantially higher than sevoflurane’s, although still considerably lower than that of desflurane.

Desflurane

Desflurane has historically been valued because its physical properties allow very rapid changes in anaesthetic concentration and relatively rapid emergence from anaesthesia.

However, its use in the NHS has changed dramatically because of its environmental impact.

Advantages

The main clinical advantage of desflurane is its rapid elimination from the body. This can make it useful when a particularly rapid and predictable emergence from anaesthesia is desirable.

It is also relatively easy to adjust the depth of anaesthesia rapidly because changes in the inspired concentration produce comparatively rapid changes in anaesthetic concentration in the patient.

Disadvantages

The major disadvantage today is its very high environmental impact. Desflurane has a much greater global-warming potential than sevoflurane and is persistent in the atmosphere. Professional guidance has therefore strongly encouraged avoiding it where clinically appropriate.

In England, NHS England announced the decommissioning of desflurane from routine practice, with only limited clinical exceptions permitted from April 2024. The policy was supported by the Association of Anaesthetists and the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Consequently, desflurane should no longer be considered a routine first-choice volatile anaesthetic in NHS England.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is different from the volatile anaesthetic agents. It has relatively weak anaesthetic properties but provides useful analgesia and anxiolysis. It is therefore often used alongside other anaesthetic drugs rather than as the sole agent for general anaesthesia.

It is also familiar outside operating theatres, particularly in obstetric analgesia, where mixtures containing nitrous oxide and oxygen are commonly used.

Advantages

Nitrous oxide has a rapid onset and offset, making its effects relatively easy to control.

It provides useful analgesia and can reduce the amount of other anaesthetic agents required. It is also non-irritating to the airway and is relatively easy to administer.

Because it is supplied as a gas, it can be particularly useful for short procedures where rapid administration and recovery are desirable.

Disadvantages

Nitrous oxide is not sufficiently potent to produce surgical anaesthesia on its own at clinically practical concentrations. It therefore generally has to be combined with other anaesthetic drugs.

It can also cause nausea and vomiting and can expand closed air spaces within the body. For this reason, it may be inappropriate in some patients or procedures.

Its environmental impact is another increasingly important disadvantage. Nitrous oxide is a potent and long-lived greenhouse gas. In addition, significant quantities can be lost from hospital central-piping systems through leakage before the gas is ever administered to a patient. UK and international sustainability guidance consequently recommends reducing unnecessary nitrous oxide use and addressing leakage from central pipelines.

The environmental issue

The environmental consequences of anaesthetic gases have become increasingly important in UK healthcare. Inhaled anaesthetics contribute to the carbon footprint of operating theatres, and the agents differ considerably in their climate effects. Desflurane and nitrous oxide are particularly important targets for reduction.

Hospitals can reduce emissions by choosing anaesthetic gases with lower environmental impacts, using low fresh-gas flows where clinically appropriate, preventing leaks and avoiding unnecessary use of inhalational agents. Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and regional anaesthesia can also provide alternatives to inhalational general anaesthesia in appropriate patients.

Anaesthetic Gases: Conclusion

The choice of anaesthetic gas is based on more than simply how quickly a patient falls asleep or wakes up. Anaesthetists must consider the patient’s medical condition, the type and duration of surgery, airway considerations, recovery requirements and the characteristics of each drug.

In current UK practice, sevoflurane is an important general-purpose volatile agent, while isoflurane remains a useful established alternative. Desflurane has become uncommon in England because of its very high environmental impact, and nitrous oxide is increasingly used selectively because of both its clinical limitations and environmental consequences.

Ultimately, the best anaesthetic is the one that provides safe and effective patient care while minimising unnecessary drug use and environmental harm. Environmental considerations are increasingly part of that clinical decision-making process, but they should not override individual patient safety.

Due to potentially hazardous substances in these gases, staff safety should also be considered where they are in repeated contact with anaesthetic gases through their workday, and workplace exposure monitoring should be carried out to ensure that staff exposure is kept within recommended exposure limits.

For help with workplace exposure monitoring to comply with COSHH recommendations click here.

 

Heatwaves and the NHS: Preparing Healthcare for a Hotter Future

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As heatwaves associated with climate change become more frequent and intense across the United Kingdom, the NHS faces growing challenges in protecting patients, supporting staff, and maintaining safe healthcare environments.

While the NHS has traditionally been designed to cope with cold winters, rising summer temperatures are exposing vulnerabilities in hospital infrastructure, many of which were built decades before extreme heat became a significant concern.

One of the most debated aspects of this challenge is the role of air conditioning. Although cooling systems can improve patient safety and staff wellbeing, they also raise questions about energy consumption, carbon emissions, and long-term sustainability.

The Health Impact of Heatwaves

Heat waves pose serious risks to public health, particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people living with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, kidney injury, and worsening of existing medical conditions.

Periods of extreme heat also increase demand on NHS services. Hospitals often experience:

  • Higher numbers of emergency department attendances.
  • Increased ambulance call-outs.
  • More hospital admissions related to heat-related illness.
  • Greater pressure on intensive care and respiratory services.
  • Delays in patient discharge due to increased community healthcare demands.

One UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) modelling study (1) found that heat related hospital attendances could rise from around 17,000 to around 39,000 by the 2030s and to 53,000 by the 2050s.

Meanwhile, heat related emergency admissions to hospital could increase from 2900 a year to 7250 by the 2030s and to 11,000 by the 2050s.

Challenges Within NHS Buildings

Many NHS hospitals were constructed in the mid-to-late twentieth century when overheating was rarely considered a design priority. Large areas of glazing, poor insulation against heat gain, ageing ventilation systems, and limited mechanical cooling can result in indoor temperatures exceeding safe and comfortable levels during summer.

Some clinical environments are particularly vulnerable, including:

  • Intensive care units
  • Operating theatres
  • Maternity wards
  • Older inpatient wards
  • Diagnostic imaging departments
  • Pharmacy and laboratory facilities

In this year’s heatwaves, resident doctors working in high temperatures have reported adverse effects in patients due to the extreme heat, including falls due to postural hypotension, and multiple pre-renal acute kidney injuries.

High temperatures can affect not only patients but also temperature-controlled medicines and sensitive medical equipment, such as radiotherapy machines, MRI scanners and data centres storing vital patient information.

The Benefits of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning offers several important benefits when used appropriately within healthcare settings.

Firstly, it helps maintain safe temperatures for vulnerable patients, reducing the risk of heat-related illness. Cooling also supports recovery by improving patient comfort, sleep quality, and hydration.

Secondly, staff working in cooler environments are generally better able to concentrate, make clinical decisions, and perform physically demanding tasks safely.

Air conditioning is also essential for maintaining environmental conditions required for certain medical procedures, operating theatres, imaging equipment, laboratories, and pharmaceutical storage.

The Drawbacks

Despite its advantages, widespread air conditioning presents several challenges.

Cooling systems consume substantial amounts of electricity, increasing operational costs for hospitals that already face significant financial pressures. If powered by fossil fuels, greater electricity demand may also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Maintenance is another consideration. Air conditioning systems require regular servicing to maintain efficiency and reduce the risk of poor indoor air quality or microbial contamination.

Finally, installing modern cooling systems across an ageing NHS estate represents a major capital investment. Retrofitting older buildings can be technically complex and expensive.

Sustainable Alternatives

Air conditioning is unlikely to be the only solution. Many experts advocate a combination of passive cooling strategies alongside targeted mechanical cooling.

These measures include:

  • Improved building insulation.
  • External shading to reduce solar heat gain.
  • Reflective roofing materials.
  • Natural ventilation where clinically appropriate.
  • Green roofs and tree planting around healthcare sites.
  • Smart building management systems.
  • Energy-efficient heat pumps capable of both heating and cooling.

These approaches can reduce overheating while supporting the NHS’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Planning for the Future

Climate projections suggest that extreme heat events will become more common throughout the coming decades. As a result, heat resilience is increasingly becoming an important component of NHS estate planning.

Future hospital developments are likely to incorporate climate-adaptive design from the outset, combining energy-efficient cooling technologies with sustainable architecture. Existing hospitals will also require phased upgrades to improve resilience while balancing environmental and financial considerations.

Emergency preparedness will remain equally important. Heat-health alert systems, staff training, public health messaging, and coordinated operational planning can all help reduce the impact of future heat waves on healthcare services.

Conclusion

Heatwaves are no longer exceptional events but an emerging healthcare challenge for the NHS.

Rising temperatures affect patient safety, staff wellbeing, hospital infrastructure, and service capacity.

Air conditioning has an important role in protecting vulnerable patients and maintaining critical clinical environments, but it should be implemented alongside broader strategies that improve building resilience and reduce environmental impact.

By investing in climate-adapted infrastructure, sustainable cooling technologies, and effective heat preparedness, the NHS can strengthen its ability to deliver safe, high-quality care in an environment where heatwaves are becoming more commonplace.

 

References

  • https://www.bmj.com/content/393/bmj-2026-139955

What Changes Are Planned for the NHS?

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When it comes to what changes are planned for the NHS, the UK government is pursuing one of the biggest restructurings of the National Health Service in decades. Through its new 10-Year Health Plan for England, ministers say they want to modernise the NHS, reduce waiting lists, improve access to local care, and shift the service toward prevention rather than crisis treatment. Critics, however, argue that the reforms may create disruption without solving the NHS’s long-term staffing and funding pressures.

At the centre of the reforms are three major goals: moving care from hospitals into the community, replacing outdated systems with digital services, and focusing more heavily on preventing illness before it becomes serious.

Moving Care Out of Hospitals

One of the biggest planned changes is a shift away from hospital-based treatment. The government wants more healthcare delivered through neighbourhood health centres, GP services, pharmacies, and community clinics. This approach is designed to reduce pressure on overcrowded hospitals and make treatment easier to access locally.

These neighbourhood services could include:

  • urgent treatment centres
  • physiotherapy
  • mental health support
  • consultant-led outpatient clinics
  • evening and weekend GP appointments
  • day surgery services

The NHS also plans to expand the use of same-day emergency care and allow more patients to book urgent care appointments through NHS 111 and the NHS App before attending A&E departments.

What Changes Are Planned for the NHS Digital Landscape

Technology is another major focus of reform. The government says the NHS still relies too heavily on outdated systems and paperwork, so it plans to accelerate digital transformation across the service.

Planned changes include:

  • a “single patient record” accessible across the NHS
  • expanded use of the NHS App
  • AI tools to support clinicians
  • digital HR and payroll systems
  • ambient voice technology that automatically writes clinical notes during appointments

The NHS also plans to introduce AI-powered systems to detect safety problems and quality concerns earlier. Patients are expected to gain greater access to their own medical records by 2028.

Greater Focus on Prevention

A central idea in the 10-Year Plan is shifting the NHS from treating sickness to preventing illness. Ministers argue that rising levels of obesity, smoking-related disease, diabetes, and poor mental health are placing unsustainable pressure on hospitals.

Planned preventative measures include:

  • expanding smoking cessation programmes
  • increasing access to weight-loss treatments
  • broader HPV vaccination coverage
  • restrictions on unhealthy food marketing
  • new public health campaigns using digital tools and AI
  • expanded genomic testing to identify disease risks earlier

The government also aims to reduce smoking rates further through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and strengthen childhood nutrition policies.

Changes to NHS Structure and Management

When it comes to what changes are planned for the NHS, they are not only clinical — they also involve significant organisational change.

One of the most controversial proposals is the abolition of NHS England as a separate body, with more powers returning directly to government ministers and the Department of Health and Social Care. Supporters say this will reduce bureaucracy and improve accountability, while critics fear it could politicise NHS decision-making.

The government also wants:

  • fewer national targets
  • simpler management structures
  • greater autonomy for high-performing NHS trusts
  • stronger local leadership
  • new “Integrated Health Organisations” overseeing wider regional services

Some foundation trusts could eventually manage broader local healthcare budgets and services.

What Changes Are Planned for The NHS Waiting Lists

Reducing waiting times remains a major political priority. NHS operational guidance for 2025–26 includes targets to improve access to planned treatment, cancer care, GP appointments, urgent dental care, and emergency services.

The NHS hopes to:

  • increase the percentage of patients treated within 18 weeks
  • improve ambulance response times
  • reduce delays in A&E
  • expand diagnostic testing capacity
  • improve cancer treatment timelines

Recent figures suggest some progress has already been made, though waiting lists remain historically high.

Workforce Reforms

Staffing shortages remain one of the NHS’s biggest challenges, and the reforms include substantial workforce changes.

Plans include:

  • creating 1,000 new specialty training posts
  • reducing dependence on overseas recruitment over time
  • replacing agency staffing with NHS staff banks
  • modernising training with more digital and AI skills
  • introducing new staff wellbeing standards
  • expanding occupational health support for NHS workers

However, some critics worry that projected staffing numbers are lower than previous NHS workforce forecasts.

Criticism and Concerns

Although ministers describe the reforms as transformational, critics question whether the plans are sufficiently funded or detailed.

Some healthcare experts argue the proposals rely too heavily on restructuring and technology while underestimating workforce shortages and social care pressures. Others fear repeated reorganisations could create instability inside the NHS.

Trade unions and some Labour MPs have also raised concerns about:

  • possible use of private finance for NHS infrastructure
  • uncertainty around staffing reforms
  • disruption caused by abolishing NHS England
  • lack of clarity on implementation timelines

Even supporters of reform acknowledge that many of the changes could take years before patients notice major improvements.

Conclusion

The planned NHS reforms represent a major attempt to reshape healthcare in England for the next decade. The government wants a service that is more local, more digital, and more focused on prevention rather than emergency treatment. If successful, the reforms could improve access to care and reduce long-term pressure on hospitals.

However, the plans also carry significant risks. Delivering such wide-ranging change while the NHS continues to face staffing shortages, financial pressure, and record demand will be extremely difficult. Whether the reforms become a lasting modernisation programme or another disruptive NHS reorganisation will likely depend on funding, workforce support, and how effectively the government manages implementation over the coming years.

Capturing Fluid Spills in Hospital Operating Theatres

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Fluid spills in hospital operating theatres—such as blood, saline, irrigation fluids, and other bodily fluids—are both common and potentially hazardous. Effective capture and management of these fluids are essential for patient safety, staff protection, infection control, and operational efficiency.

Sources and Risks of Fluid Spills

Fluid spills in operating theatres arise from multiple sources, including bodily fluids, surgical irrigation, suction overflow, accidental dislodgement of tubing, and leakage from equipment or containers. While these fluids are often an unavoidable part of surgery, unmanaged spills can create serious risks. These include:

  • Slip and fall hazards for surgical teams
  • Increased risk of infection due to contamination
  • Electrical hazards when fluids reach powered equipment
  • Workflow disruptions and prolonged procedure times
  • Reduced theatre turnaround time due to the need to clean spills
  • Damage to flooring and infrastructure over time

Because operating theatres must maintain strict aseptic conditions, even minor spills require prompt and appropriate management.

Common Fluid Capture Solutions

Several solutions are used in operating theatres to manage and capture fluid spills effectively:

  1. Absorbent Floor Mats and Pads
    Specialized absorbent mats are placed in high-risk areas around the operating table. These mats are designed to rapidly absorb fluids. They include:

    1. Superabsorbent mats that absorb large amounts of fluid and turn it to gel for quick and easy, non-drip disposal in clinical waste.
    2. Absorbent anti-skid mats that can be walked on whilst still absorbing fluids.
    3. Hybrid walkable/superabsorbent mats that combine high levels of absorbency with a section that can be stood on or have a chair placed on it.
  2. Surgical Drape Systems with Fluid Collection
    Advanced surgical drapes incorporate integrated channels and pouches that direct fluids away from the operative field into collection reservoirs.
  3. Suction-Based Fluid Management Systems
    Dedicated suction devices collect irrigation fluids continuously during procedures, minimizing pooling on surfaces.

Benefits of Proactive Fluid Capture

Implementing effective fluid capture strategies delivers measurable benefits:

  • Enhanced staff safety through reduced slip hazards
  • Improved infection control by limiting environmental contamination
  • Shorter turnaround times between procedures due to faster clean-up
  • Lower long-term maintenance costs by protecting floors and equipment
  • Greater compliance with health and safety regulations

In high-volume operating suites, these benefits can translate into significant operational and financial gains.

Training and Protocols

Even the best equipment is only effective when used correctly. Staff training is essential to ensure fluid capture measures are deployed consistently and appropriately. Clear protocols should define when and how absorbent mats or other fluid capture tools are used, how waste fluids are disposed of, and how contaminated materials are handled post-procedure.

Looking Ahead for Fluid Spills in Hospital Operating Theatres

As surgical techniques evolve and procedure volumes increase, the demand for smarter, more efficient fluid management solutions will continue to grow. Innovations in materials, equipment, and theatre design are helping hospitals move toward cleaner, safer operating environments where fluid spills are managed proactively rather than reactively.

Effective fluid capture in operating theatres is not just a housekeeping concern—it is a fundamental component of patient safety, staff wellbeing, and high-quality surgical care.

For more information on managing fluid spills in hospital operating theatres with superabsorbent, anti-skid mats and hybrid mats click here.

 

Decontamination in Hospitals: Upcoming Events in 2026

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If you are involved in decontamination in hospitals, there are a raft of insightful events over the coming months. Read on to find out more.

The Central Sterilisation Club Annual Scientific Meeting 2026
20th to 21st April, Nottingham.

This event will cover a number of important topics including:

  • How to balance the risk of reprocessing orthopaedic implants compared to using single-use implants, and how to address the challenges that come with cleaning complex reusable tools.
  • The risks of misguided sustainability decisions; equipping decontamination leads with evidence to counter ill-informed demands.
  • How to ensure effective cleaning and standard compliance in endoscope decontamination in hospitals
  • A debate on whether the UK should abandon HTM’s in favour of international standards.

For more information on this event click here.

 

DECON UK 2026
24th April, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust jointly bring you this free event, which covers a range of topics including:

  • Decontamination within Pharmacy Aseptic Services – is it possible to be compliant and sustainable at the same time?
  • The future of Decontamination and Sustainability.
  • Can you be clean, green and lean? An environmentally sustainable approach to choosing decontamination methods.
  • Ultraviolet water trap technology, peracetic acid and air sampling.

For more information on this event click here.

 

Decontamination and Sterilisation 2026
29th April, National Conference Centre, Birmingham

Bringing together frontline experts, NHS leaders and innovators shaping the future of sterile services, this event focuses on real-world practice, regulatory insight, and emerging technology.

The event programme offers practical advice for teams working across decontamination, infection control, and clinical science.

Presentation topics include:

  • The impact of accelerated digital transformation on the sector and workforce skills and capability requirements.
  • Discussing the role of JAG in the assessment of decontamination services, critical to the quality and safety of endoscopy services.

For more information on this event on decontamination in hospitals click here.

 

Theatres and Decontamination Conference
19th May, Radisson Blu, Stanstead

This event brings together industry experts, healthcare professionals, and innovators to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and best practices in operating theatre management, decontamination, and infection prevention.

This year’s programme includes a wide range of presentations and debates on topics such as:

  • Collaborative working across healthcare teams
  • Robotics and medical device innovation, including AI
  • The circular economy and sustainability in healthcare
  • How to align with the latest best practice and standards

Click here to find more information on this event.

 

Decontamination in Hospitals

Interested in more event updates and article about sterilisation and decontamination in hospitals?

Just click here and bookmark our blog.

Or if you would like to find out about our workplace exposure monitoring services for decontamination, sterile services, and endoscopy departments in hospitals, please click here for more information.

Cairn’s Carbon Reduction Plan 2025 shows reduced carbon emissions

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Cairn Technology has published its Carbon Reduction Plan 2025, showing decreases in carbon emissions for both Scope 1 and Scope 2 figures.

Scope 1 emissions – 100% offset

The reduction in Scope 1 emissions is due to changing more of our vehicle fleet to hybrid cars, so that our field-based consultants are travelling in a way that is more environmentally friendly.

Our Scope 1 environmental management objective, which began in 2023, remains to increase the number of lower emitting transport types year on year, whenever possible.

In addition, we have offset all of our Scope 1 emissions for 2025 by continuing to invest in the Carbon Footprint UK Tree Planting Scheme, supporting both carbon capture and environmental biodiversity.

Commitment to Scope 2 emissions reduction

Our Scope 2 carbon emission total also saw a small decrease from 2024, reflecting our effort to be mindful of our consumption, and our drive to be more energy efficient.

Our aim is to further reduce our Scope 2 emissions in 2026 by purchasing our electricity from renewable sources. The end of a fixed supplier contract in 2026 will allow us to implement this important change.

Scope 3 emissions reduced for Category 4

Overall, we have seen a modest increase in our Scope 3 emissions in our 2025 Carbon Reduction Plan.

In particular, our category 9 total has increased by 18%. This is due, in part to an 8% increase in the sales of our absorbent mat products, which are shipped from our EU manufacturing base.

However, we succeeded in reducing our category 4 emissions total compared to our 2024 figures, by consolidating supply shipments wherever possible.

In addition, we have continued to make efforts to reduce other sources of carbon emissions in Scope 3, including:

  • reducing employee commuting with a hybrid working-from-home approach,
  • recycling as much waste generated from our office and warehouse space as possible, such as reusing packaging in our warehouse where appropriate, and
  • encouraging our sales team to conduct business meetings with clients virtually where possible.

Find out more about our Carbon Reduction Plan 2025 Report

Want to know more? Just click here for our full Carbon Reduction Plan Report for 2025

Cytotoxic Drug Spills – the Risks in Hospitals

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Cytotoxic drug spills pose significant risks to healthcare workers, patients, and the hospital environment. Understanding these risks—and how to prevent and manage them—is critical to maintaining a safe healthcare setting.

What Are Cytotoxic Drugs?

Cytotoxic drugs, also known as antineoplastic or chemotherapy agents, are essential in the treatment of cancer and other serious conditions. They are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cells. While this makes them effective against cancer, it also means they can damage healthy cells. Many cytotoxic agents are classified as hazardous because they are toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, or capable of causing organ damage even at low levels of exposure.

How Cytotoxic Drug Spills Occur

Spills can occur at various points in the medication-use process, including:

  • Preparation and compounding in pharmacies
  • Transport within the hospital
  • Administration to patients
  • Disposal of drug waste and contaminated materials

Contributing factors include inadequate training, equipment failure, poor handling techniques, high workloads, and lack of appropriate spill-response resources.

Health Risks to Healthcare Workers

Exposure to cytotoxic drugs can occur through skin contact, inhalation of aerosols, ingestion, or accidental injection. Acute effects may include skin irritation, eye damage, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term or repeated exposure has been associated with more serious outcomes such as reproductive disorders, infertility, genetic damage, and an increased risk of cancer.

Nurses, pharmacists, cleaning staff, and waste handlers are particularly vulnerable, especially if spills are not promptly identified and properly managed.

Risks to Patients and Visitors

Drug spills in patient care areas can expose non-target individuals, including patients receiving other treatments and hospital visitors. Immunocompromised patients, pregnant individuals, and children are especially at risk. Contaminated surfaces may also contribute to indirect exposure if not adequately cleaned.

Environmental and Operational Impacts

Cytotoxic spills can contaminate hospital surfaces, equipment, and wastewater systems. Improper cleanup may lead to persistent contamination, increasing the likelihood of repeated exposure. In addition, spills can disrupt clinical workflows, require area closures, and lead to costly decontamination efforts and regulatory consequences.

Importance of Spill Management and Prevention

Effective risk reduction relies on a combination of prevention and preparedness, including:

Regular audits, incident reviews, and updates to safety procedures help ensure ongoing compliance and improvement.

Conclusion

Cytotoxic drug spills represent a serious occupational and environmental hazard in hospitals. While these medications are indispensable in modern healthcare, their risks must be carefully managed. Through proper training, robust safety systems, and a strong culture of awareness, hospitals can minimize the likelihood of spills and protect the health of workers, patients, and the broader community.

If you would like help spill training, we can help you and your teams. Just click here for information on our cytotoxic drug spill training.

You can also click here to find out about our Cytotoxic Drug Spill Stations for hospitals and click here for information on our Home Cytotoxic Drug Spill Kits for where the drugs are administered in the patient’s home.

Alternatively, please call our spill management team on 0333 015 4345.