HEALTHCARE FURNITURE
Above: An example of a carefully planned and functional workspace for NHS staff, designed by David Bailey Furniture Systems.
Above right: Stainless steel and laminated worktops, ‘showcasing durable design and tailored functionality for healthcare environments’.
detection and prevention, reducing the burden on hospitals by offering faster, more convenient access to essential medical tests. By streamlining diagnostic services within a community setting, the centre ensures faster results, quicker treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes. With the government’s pledge of £1 bn in funding,
hundreds more community health centres are expected to open by 2027. The focus is on establishing these centres in underserved and rural areas, where healthcare accessibility has been a longstanding challenge.
A compliant worktop designed and adapted to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.
Key regions identified for new community health centres These are some of the areas chosen for new centres, based on a combination of factors – including healthcare accessibility gaps, population needs, and existing infrastructure challenges. It includes the northern regions of Cumbria, and Northumberland, which will see significant investment in new healthcare centres, specifically aimed at improving access to diagnostic and primary care services. These areas are characterised by large rural populations, where residents often face challenges in reaching hospitals and specialist services due to distance and transportation constraints.
Investment is needed because of the long travel distances to hospitals in these areas. The prevalence of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, in these regions is also above the national average, necessitating better local management of long- term conditions. Furthermore, shortages in rural areas have led to longer waiting times and limited appointment availability, increasing the burden on emergency departments. The new community hubs
will house GP services, diagnostic facilities (e.g. blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds) and outpatient clinics, reducing the need for hospital visits. Integrated mental health support will be a key focus, ensuring that patients can access psychological therapies and
44 Health Estate Journal October 2025
crisis intervention services locally. In addition, telemedicine facilities will allow remote consultations with specialists, reducing patient travel, and improving overall access to care. The impact of these new centres will be profound, allowing thousands of patients to receive timely care in their communities, while reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.
n Cornwall and Devon The South West of England has long struggled with healthcare accessibility, due to its remote coastal and rural geography. Cornwall and Devon, in particular, face challenges in ensuring that healthcare services are within easy reach for all residents. The new community health centres planned for these counties aim to address these accessibility issues, bringing high-quality healthcare closer to those who need it most. Cornwall and Devon have a higher-than-average
proportion of older residents, many of whom require regular medical care, mobility support, and chronic disease management. Many rural villages also lack frequent public transport links to hospitals, making travel for healthcare a major challenge. The influx of tourists during peak seasons further increases demand on Emergency Departments, stretching resources thin, and leading to longer wait times for local residents. Improved access to primary and urgent care services will ensure that minor health issues can be managed locally, reducing pressure on hospitals. Specialist outreach clinics will also be available, offering consultations in areas such as cardiology, dermatology, and orthopaedics – eliminating the need for long-distance travel. Maternity and child health services will be strengthened, ensuring that expectant mothers and young families in rural areas have easier access to healthcare. By expanding community-based services in Cornwall and Devon, these new centres will ensure timely interventions, reduced travel times, and better health outcomes for residents.
n Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Cambridgeshire
The Midlands and East of England have also been earmarked for major healthcare investments, particularly in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire. These counties face a mix of urban and rural healthcare challenges, requiring a tailored approach to improve access and efficiency. Cities like Nottingham, Leicester, and Cambridge,
have large teaching hospitals, but these are frequently overwhelmed by high patient demand, leading to long waiting times. This means there are significant disparities in healthcare access between urban centres and rural
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