Source: BBC News, The Times, and NHS Confederation Reports, August 2025

Staines, Surrey, August 2025 - The UK is facing a mounting healthcare staffing crisis, with the NHS projected to be short of 360,000 workers by 2036 (BBC News). In response, Bupa has launched a new £6 million clinical academy in Staines, Surrey, aimed at boosting workforce capacity and strengthening frontline care.

The academy will train 1,000 healthcare professionals in 2025, with plans to expand training capacity to 10,000 annually by 2027. The focus will be on developing dental nurses, care workers, and frontline clinical staff, supporting not only Bupa’s network but also the wider NHS and partner charities.

High-Tech Training for Modern Care

The new facility will integrate virtual reality (VR), 3D simulations, and lifelike mannequins to provide trainees with practical, hands-on experience before treating patients. This immersive approach is expected to accelerate learning, improve safety, and boost trainee confidence.

According to The Times, the investment represents one of the largest private contributions to UK healthcare training in recent years.

Tackling Mental Health Needs

Alongside the academy, Bupa is also opening 70 new mental health clinics, branded as “mind places.” These clinics will deliver talking therapies, counselling, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

The initiative comes at a time when poor mental health is among the leading causes of staff sickness and reduced productivity in the UK (NHS Confederation). By expanding access to early treatment, the clinics aim to support both patient well-being and workforce resilience.

Why This Matters

With rising demand for care and an ageing population, the UK healthcare system urgently needs more skilled professionals. Bupa’s plan to train 10,000 people a year by 2027 could help ease workforce shortages, while its mental health expansion addresses one of the fastest-growing healthcare challenges.

Experts agree that broader government action is required to fully resolve the staffing crisis, but Bupa’s investment underscores the important role private providers can play in strengthening the UK healthcare system.