Health Bill 2026: Real estate implications for the Healthcare Sector and Primary care providers

What are the Key Changes and Why This Matters in Practice:

• Abolition of NHS England

This is the central structural reform contained in the Bill. Many of the responsibilities will be transferred to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, including the ability to make transfer schemes for the transfer of property.

The aim of the change is to streamline decision making and improve co-ordination across the healthcare system.

Under the new framework, healthcare delivery will be overseen by regional bodies with increased autonomy, aiming to address local needs more effectively. This shift is expected to impact everything from funding allocations to the development of healthcare infrastructure. 

• Enhanced role of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)

ICBs will receive significantly expanded functions, particularly in primary care commissioning. The ICBs responsibility will be to ensure primary medical services are provided in a way that meets the reasonable requirements of the people it has responsibility for. This means enhanced control over funding and infrastructure decisions, potentially leading to a faster approvals process for new projects. Many are hopeful that these changes will be mean greater focus on regional needs and therefore resulting in increased investment in healthcare facilities in underserved areas.

• Single Patient Record and Information

The Bill proposes the creation of a Single Patient Record (SPR) which will be one of the biggest changes to NHS data systems in decades.

At present a patient's information is spread across multiple systems including GP records, hospital records, mental health services, community services and NHS funded private providers. The Bill would allow the government to require all NHS providers, including GP practices, to share relevant patient information so it can be brought together into one unified digital record. Patients and clinicians would be able to access this information through a common system.

The major concern that has been voiced about this proposal are privacy issues and we await confirmation of however these concerns will be resolved. 

If you are a healthcare or primary care provider, the abolition of NHS England could impact your operations and opportunities. To understand how these changes may affect you and explore ways to adapt, contact Hannah Dookhun in the Commercial Property Team. We can provide expert advice to help you navigate the transition and make the most of emerging opportunities.