The NHS Confederation and NHS Providers called on the Government to explore other funding options, including private investment, to repair the crumbling hospital estate.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: ‘At £750m a year, it would take almost 20 years to clear the backlog, assuming it does not continue to grow. In the meantime, our members are committed to exploring other ways of raising the capital investment needed.'

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive, NHS Providers, said: ‘We must pursue new and different sources of investment to fund NHS buildings, equipment and technology to make them fit for the future and transform care.'

Both leaders urged the Government to use the Spending Review to address the capital funding gap.

Over 400 hospitals, mental health units and ambulance sites will be given funding to tackle long-term problems such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation and electrical issues.

Services were disrupted over 4,000 times in 2023/24 due to issues with poor quality buildings.   

Over £100m will fund critical improvements in maternity units such as replacing outdated ventilation systems in neonatal intensive care units.

Secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, said: ‘A decade and a half of underinvestment left hospitals crumbling, with burst pipes flooding emergency departments, faulty electrical systems shutting down operating theatres and mothers giving birth in outdated facilities that lack basic dignity.   

‘We are on a mission to rebuild our NHS through investment and modernisation.   

‘Patients and staff deserve to be in buildings that are safe, comfortable and fit for purpose. Through our Plan for Change, we will make our NHS fit for the future.'