Melanie Nelson Stephens

The NHS is investing heavily in the development of neighbourhood health services, yet far less attention has been paid to a fundamental question: how are we preparing future professionals to work in integrated teams? In 2025, the 10-Year Health Plan for England was published, announcing that a programme of reform was needed to current operating and workforce models, innovation strategy and approaches to finances.

Rationale and key points Historically, care homes have been underused as practice placement settings for preregistration nursing students. However, care homes can provide valuable learning opportunities for students, while hosting students can be beneficial for staff and residents. There has been a move by NHS England to expand placements to non-traditional settings such as care homes.