The survey of senior health leaders by the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers found almost nine in 10 did not have access to the capital funding they need.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of NHS Confederation, said: ‘The Government's desire to provide more care closer to home is right and community providers have a vital role to play in this. But the ambition will be jeopardised unless community services have access to targeted capital investment for building, equipment and technology which will enable them to deliver more care, provide a better patient experience and to improve productivity.'

According to the survey:

•          more than four in five respondents (86%) said buildings and facilities were a barrier to greater productivity 
•           two in three providers (66%) said digital systems were a priority for investment to boost productivity 
•          two in three (66%) said the state of community facilities isn't improving patients' experiences 
•      early nine in 10 (88%) said they couldn't secure adequate capital funding.

Siobhan Melia, Community Network chair and chief executive of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Community providers will play a central role in delivering the Government's commitment to shifting more care closer to home. For it to be a success, community providers need essential capital funding to scale up delivery and collaborate with system partners in line with the Government's aim.

‘National leaders need to prioritise capital investment in technology and estates for community health services. Investing today will bring savings tomorrow and a better experience for patients and their families.'

Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, said: ‘Community services and patients are suffering the effects of years of national capital underinvestment. The sector's buildings and systems are becoming increasingly inadequate for the task being asked of them.

‘To fulfil Government ambitions, to increase capacity, achieve greater productivity and improve experience for staff and patients, community providers need access to adequate capital funding.'