Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has revealed a wide-ranging 10-year strategy aimed at transforming healthcare in England, shifting emphasis from hospitals to community-based services. The plan includes the creation of around 50 neighbourhood health centres within the current parliament, with a long-term goal of 300 by 2035. These hubs, staffed by a mix of medical professionals, are designed to offer accessible, localised treatment and reduce hospital overload.

A major digital push will see the NHS app upgraded, allowing patients to access their complete medical records, book appointments, and manage prescriptions. Starmer described it as having a “24/7 doctor in your pocket”. However, concerns remain about accessibility for those without smartphones, particularly older individuals.

Preventative health is another key focus, with proposals to tackle obesity through reward-based schemes modelled on a Singaporean initiative. Participants could earn digital NHS points for healthy choices, which may be redeemed in shops and restaurants. There are also plans to expand access to weight loss services and introduce clearer alcohol labelling.

Mental health and dentistry also feature, with dedicated emergency departments for psychiatric care and reforms aimed at tackling the shortage of NHS dentists. However, critics note the plan lacks a direct strategy for the struggling social care sector, which many believe is essential to fully restoring the NHS.