The call came with the publication of its new report, Delivering on ambitions for a neighbourhood health service, which demonstrates how trusts are already delivering the Government's plans to shift care from hospitals to the community.

Chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, said: ‘Just days before the 10-Year Health Plan is unveiled, this report shows how NHS trusts are already working with partners to develop and improve the way care is delivered at a neighbourhood level.

‘It's really exciting to see the difference this can make for patients while relieving pressures on other services, including reduced hospital and nursing home admissions, shorter hospital stays and lower social care costs.

‘It can also make a real impact on staff recruitment as people are drawn to new ways of working.

‘There are vital lessons here for the 10-Year Health Plan.'

Highlighting how the proportion of the NHS budget spent on hospitals increased from 47% to 58% between 2006 and 2022, Elkeles called for a financial system to be put in place ‘that encourages rather than hinders more care in the community'.

He added: ‘The foundations of a neighbourhood health service are already being developed across the country. There's now a great opportunity to build on this for the benefit of patients, and trust leaders stand ready to play their part.'