Now that 2025 is behind us, pressure on public expenditure has never been more visible. With healthcare accounting for one of the largest and fastest-growing portions of government spending, scrutiny over how every pound is used is intensifying. Across the system, we’re being asked to do more with less — and to do it better.
Nowhere is this challenge more pronounced than in the NHS. As budgets tighten and expectations continue to rise, improved efficiency is no longer optional; it’s essential. Over the past year, this has driven a continued shift away from short-term fixes and toward smarter, long-term thinking — particularly in areas such as clinical space design, storage efficiency and infection prevention.
Some of the key themes we’ve seen shaping decisions in 2025 include:
- A stronger focus on maximising existing builds rather than expanding footprint
- Increased demand for fit-for-purpose clinical storage to reduce waste and save staff time
- Growing interest in automation and smarter systems to improve stock control, traceability, and operational efficiency.
- Greater collaboration between clinical teams, estates, and specialist suppliers
- Design decisions being driven by workflow, compliance, automation readiness and future flexibility.
So, how does 2026 look?
More strategic, long-term planning
The NHS and private healthcare providers are moving toward a more strategic, long-term approach to planning, with three-to five-year frameworks shaping decisions around estates, capital investments and digital transformation.
Digital, integrated and automated care models
Digital and integrated care models will continue to expand, helping organisations improve productivity, decrease pressure on physical space, and support more efficient workflows.
Growth in community-based care
There is a shift toward care delivery beyond the acute hospital, with increased investment in community-based facilities, outpatient hubs, and neighbourhood health centres designed to ease demand on main hospital sites.
Modular, flexible and future-ready estates
Across the estate, efficiency and flexibility will be expected as usual. Providers are prioritising optimising existing space and creating adaptable, future-ready environments rather than relying only on new builds.
Greater focus on equity and best practice
Reducing the risk of a two-tier healthcare will remain a priority, with greater emphasis on sharing best practice and ensuring all organisations can access safe, compliant and efficient clinical space.