Responding to the government's announcement of the next stage of the New Hospital Programme, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"Trust leaders will welcome today's announcement which signals progress for eight new hospitals to be built. There is an urgent need to replace and refurbish much of the NHS estate and so this announcement could not have come soon enough.

"We particularly welcome the emphasis on mental health and community trusts, which have so far not been prioritised as part of the New Hospital Programme (NHP).

"This commitment will help tackle years of underinvestment in the mental health estate in particular, which we know is having a real impact on trusts' ability to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment.

"But there is much more to be done.

"Alongside the funds already invested in the NHP, we are calling on the government to commit to an appropriate multi-year capital settlement for the NHS as part of the comprehensive spending review. This is essential to ensure the infrastructure requirements of all trusts can be met, including the need to tackle the growing maintenance backlog.

"Long term investment is central not just to the delivery of safe and effective care, but to realising efficiency gains, transforming services, enhancing digital capabilities and supporting the NHS' net zero ambitions."