The report  argues that delivering more care and support in people's homes is crucial to sustaining the NHS and tackling the interconnected crises within the health and social care system. 

Jeanette Dickson, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said: ‘After decades of talking, the time to act is now. By focusing on care closer to home, we can protect our hospitals for those who need them most and improve quality of life for people in their communities. This is the only way to ensure the NHS remains sustainable for the future.'

The report highlights successful case studies of community-based care from NHS Trusts including Manchester Foundation Trust, East Surrey Hospital and United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, demonstrating substantial improvements in patient outcomes, including a 35% reduction in hospital readmissions, a 42% reduction in bed occupancy, and significant cost savings exceeding £3m.

The report calls for a national framework to guide this transformation and calls for local health systems to have the flexibility to implement solutions that are tailored to their communities' needs.

James Swaffield, managing director at IMPOWER, said: ‘Our collaboration with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges highlights the critical need to rethink the way we deliver health and social care services.

‘By focusing on the how of community-based models, we are not just saving money; we are improving outcomes for patients and allowing hospitals to prioritise those who truly need acute care, while building sustainable financial models.'