Almost a million more GP appointments in the East of England have been unlocked by over £12 million invested in improving NHS buildings and upgrading equipment since May 2025, according to new analysis.

Nationally, more than £100 million has been used to fund almost 800 upgrades to GP surgeries across England, helping GP practices create space and capacity for an estimated 9 million extra appointments nationally since May 2025.

In the East of England, this translated to upgrades to around 85 NHS premises to create an estimated 986,000 additional GP appointments.

Upgrades have ranged from converting unused spaces into consulting and treatment rooms, modernising buildings and changing layouts so practices can increase capacity.

At one GP practice in Ipswich, Suffolk, funding was used to remodel and expand previously vacant space in its building to create five additional rooms helping to create up to an estimated 26,000 additional appointments each year.

Last year in total (June 2025 to May 2026) there were more than 45 million GP appointments offered to patients across the East of England.

The government’s 10 Year Capital Plan, published today, set out how patients are set to benefit even further from more unlocked GP appointments thanks to record investment.

An extra £200 million will help more GP surgeries expand and modernise, helping patients receive care closer to home and reduce pressure on hospitals.

Backed by a record capital budget for health, rising to £15 billion in 2029/30, the plan sets out how the government will rebuild, renew and modernise the NHS.

The plan also sets out how unused NHS land may be turned into affordable homes for healthcare workers. NHS staff will be able to rent homes closer to where they work, reducing their commute and supporting staff to live in areas where housing costs are high.

Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth said: “NHS patients – and the brilliant staff who care for them – deserve modern buildings, reliable equipment and services fit for the future.

“Too many NHS buildings are crumbling and outdated. This government is taking the long-term decisions needed to rebuild the health service.

“Our 10 Year Capital Plan backs that ambition with record investment and reforms that will help patients get faster appointments, better facilities, modern technology and more care closer to home for patients across the country.”

The government is investing at least £6.75 billion over the next nine years to repair hospitals, replace unsafe buildings and tackle the maintenance backlog, reducing the disruptions that can lead to cancelled appointments and delayed treatment.

This plan confirms the government will deliver 250 Neighbourhood Health Centres. Bringing together GPs, diagnostic tests, community and other services under one roof, they will make it easier for patients to get the care they need closer to home instead of travelling to hospital.

Alongside improvements to buildings, the plan invests in better technology across the NHS. This includes improving the NHS App, introducing a Single Patient Record so patients do not have to repeat the same information to different parts of the health service, and replacing outdated systems that keep staff tied up with paperwork, and away from patients.

The plan also outlines how ownership of more NHS buildings and land will be handed from NHS Property Services to local NHS organisations, giving them greater control over how their estates are managed and developed to meet local needs.

The plan sets out the government’s commitment to research and development capabilities, including a £650 million investment in genomics over the next five years. It supports national preparedness through investment in cyber resilience, biosecurity and the new National Biosecurity Centre, helping to protect the country against future health and security threats.

Notes to editors

GP upgrades 

• Since May 2025, almost 800 GP surgery improvement schemes have been supported through a £102 million government investment.
• In the East of England 85 schemes have been supported by £12.38m of funding, unlocking capacity for an estimated 986,524 additional GP appointments.
• Upgrades include converting unused rooms into consulting and treatment rooms, modernising buildings and changing layouts so practices can see more patients.
• Statistics on GP appointments are available at: Appointments in General Practice, May 2026 – NHS England Digital

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)

• £2 billion will be invested between 2025/26 to 2029-30 to deliver RAAC eradication, mitigation and safety works.

Homes for NHS workers 

• Most homes will be offered to NHS staff at discounted rents, although some may be let at market rates – for example short-term accommodation for consultants moving to a new area.

ENDS