The long-term vision, revealed for the North West, will see Neighbourhood Health Services launched across Greater Manchester, including Bolton.

It aims to bring together nurses, doctors, social care workers, and other professionals to deliver more care in the community and ease pressure on hospitals.

Dr Paula Cowan, regional medical director for primary care at NHS England in the North West, said: “The 10 Year Plan provides an exciting opportunity to build on some of the innovative work already happening across the North West to deliver more NHS services closer to where people live, offering quicker and more convenient care and improving patients’ experience and outcomes.

“We know we have many health challenges and inequalities in the North West and the renewed focus on prevention described in the plan reinforces the work NHS organisations across the region, working with partners, to keep more patients healthy for longer and out of hospital.”

The strategy identifies three core priorities for the future of the NHS: expanded community-based care, stronger emphasis on prevention, and greater use of digital tools to cut waiting times and reduce inequalities.

Across the North West, NHS teams are already working with partners to transform care using community services, prevention programmes, and digital innovation.

A standout example from Greater Manchester is the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) therapy by the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

The gameChange VR programme supports people aged 16 and over with psychosis and agoraphobia.

The therapy recreates everyday scenarios in a virtual setting to help reduce anxiety about leaving home.

It is currently being piloted by community mental health and psychosis teams in Bolton, Salford, Trafford, and Manchester.

So far, more than 40 people have taken part.

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Reported outcomes include increased confidence, the ability to go shopping alone, and feeling safer outside.

The 10-year plan also calls for a major shift in outpatient care, aiming to deliver most services outside of hospital settings by 2035.

This would reduce the need for hospital appointments in areas such as ophthalmology, cardiology, respiratory medicine, and mental health.

Improved digital tools will help GPs refer patients more efficiently and ensure care is delivered closer to home.

By freeing up hospital capacity, the NHS hopes to prioritise those who need acute care and reduce waiting times.

The plan comes as waiting lists reach their lowest level in two years, with 4.2 million extra appointments delivered since July.