UK Health Tech Outlook: How the NHS 10-Year Plan will transform care

The 10-Year plan: what’s changing?

The plan sets out three key transformative changes: 

1. Digital-first healthcare: Moving from analogue to digital systems to accelerate the adoption of technology and streamline services.
2. Proactive care: Prioritising prevention over treatment.
3. Community-based care: Shifting from hospital-centric models with a heavy focus on neighborhood services.  

Digital innovation is at the center of the plan.

• AI will automate administrative tasks, enhance patient diagnostics and enable remote monitoring.
• The NHS app will become the primary tool for patients, providing faster access to advice, support, and self-referrals.
• A new data approach will enable better patient care, allowing for personalised services and improved care pathways.

What does this mean for UK Health Tech? 

The NHS 10-year plan creates strong growth opportunities for UK Health Tech, with major investment in AI, data and automation. M&A activity is expected to increase as companies look to acquire new technologies, strengthen their market position and improve their ability to innovate. To remain competitive businesses must demonstrate clearly their AI, data and digital capabilities, showing measurable value for both patients and providers. 

Public vs Private: A healthy tension 

The UK health tech market is unique as it brings together the public and private sector. The private sector will be the driver of innovation, while the public sector will prioritise data security and digital readiness. This dynamic, if managed well, will drive progress. Collaboration between sectors will ensure new technologies are ethical, practical, and scalable, while encouraging the NHS to adopt innovation faster and more efficiently. Ultimately, strengthening long-term digital transformation.

Final thoughts: A digital-first future for care

The NHS 10-Year Plan isn’t just about technology: it’s about better care for everyone. Patients will see faster access to services, more personalised treatment, and greater convenience through digital tools. Clinicians will benefit from streamlined workflows and smarter diagnostics.

It will create significant opportunities for health tech and drive M&A activity. Businesses that can leverage their digital capabilities will be well placed to thrive in a market shaped by innovation, collaboration, and long-term transformation.