The NHS vision for Neighbourhood Health Centres and Neighbourhood Health Hubs promises integrated care, shared services and care closer to home. However, many healthcare professionals question whether the current primary care estate, workforce capacity and GP practice infrastructure are ready to support this transformation.

I’ve had cause recently to use several NHS services — GP appointments, hospital visits, the lot. And one thing really struck me. Many of the doctors and nurses who looked after me were from overseas. I want to be absolutely clear: this isn’t a criticism. In fact, it’s the opposite.