Staines, Surrey, August 2025 – The UK is facing a serious healthcare staffing crisis, with reports warning that the NHS could be short of 360,000 workers by 2036 (BBC News). To help close this gap, Bupa has launched a new £6 million clinical academy in Staines, Surrey.

The academy will train 1,000 healthcare professionals in 2025 and aims to expand to 10,000 people a year by 2027. It will focus on dental nurses, care workers, and frontline clinical staff, supporting not just Bupa’s network but also the wider NHS and charity partners.

High-Tech Training for Modern Care

The new centre will use virtual reality (VR), 3D simulations, and lifelike mannequins to give trainees hands-on practice before they treat real patients. This advanced training approach makes learning faster, safer, and more effective, ensuring staff enter the workforce with strong skills and confidence. According to The Times, the facility represents one of the largest private investments in UK healthcare training in recent years.

Tackling Mental Health Needs

Alongside the academy, Bupa is also opening 70 new mental health clinics, known as “mind places.” These centres will provide talking therapies, counselling, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to people struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression.

The clinics are designed to give patients early access to treatment and help employees stay in work or return after illness. This move comes at a time when poor mental health is one of the leading causes of staff sickness and lost productivity across the UK, as highlighted by the NHS Confederation.

Why This Matters

With rising demand for care and an ageing population, the UK urgently needs more healthcare workers. Bupa’s plan to train 10,000 people annually could help ease workforce shortages, while the mental health clinics will expand access to much-needed support.

Experts agree that broader government action is still required, but Bupa’s investment shows how private providers can play a key role in strengthening the UK healthcare system.