A faith-based network has called on the government to move beyond “tokenistic” gestures and develop genuine partnerships with faith and community groups if NHS reforms are to succeed.

Responding to the new ten Year Health Plan for England, which warns the NHS must “reform or die”, FaithAction said the shift to more community-based care must include local churches and charities who already play a vital role.

“The NHS must begin to think about 'community' not just in terms of out-of-hospital clinics, but as the people and social infrastructure that hold our neighbourhoods together,” the group said, adding that frontline charities and churches deserve proper recognition and funding.

FaithAction welcomed plans for better digital services but cautioned that those without digital skills or with language barriers must not be left behind.

The group also criticised the lack of detail on how faith organisations will be included, warning: “We can’t allow this to happen.”