Healthcare Markets

Mind, the mental health charity has seen a surge in demand for its help lines since the start of the recession. Calls to its Infoline and Legal line were up 18% and 28% respectively between October and April 2011-12, compared with the same period in 2010-11. The helplines are for people experiencing mental health problems, or their loved ones, who are in urgent need of information and guidance. People call the lines with a wide range of enquiries, from advice on where to seek mental health care, to information about medications and the rights of patients in psychiatric hospital.

Bupa Health and Wellbeing has appointed Patrick Watt to the role of director of corporate within the sales and marketing team. He will oversee the corporate customer segment of Bupa’s UK business.

Key members of the Private Hospitals Alliance (PHA) have agreed that the private sector is stronger together’ and admitted that, in hindsight, it was wrong to limit membership to five organisations when the trade body was originally set up.

Medical Services International Limited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011 relating to private hospital Bupa Cromwell demonstrate that the London acute healthcare market is very resilient to the economic downturn with revenue up although profits have slipped slightly.

The updated complaints process, the Independent Complaints Adjudication Service (ISCAS), which the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) provides the administration and Secretariat to, is used by many healthcare service providers.

Leading mental health provider, Priory Healthcare has opened a new care home, The Cloisters, in Monks Lane, Newbury. The company has worked in partnership with West Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to provide the new 24-bedded care facility. £3.5 million has been invested in the local area with up to 40 new jobs created in roles including care staff, catering, housekeeping, estates and gardening as well as specialist clinical roles.

BMI Thornbury hospital, Sheffield has appointed a new executive director. Graeme Kendall, a finance specialist with experience in both the healthcare and textile industries. Mr Kendall takes over from interim executive director Debbie Dobbs, who was seconded from BMI Woodlands Hospital.

Ramsay Health Care has made its first draw down of A$994m (£630m) under its senior debt facility, paving the way for international acquisitions. Ramsay managing director Christopher Rex said:

Care Fusion, the global healthcare products and services provider has acquired UK Medical Limited, the distributor of medical products to the NHS and private health care sector in the UK. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Spire Healthcare reported growth for the year ending 31 December 2011 revealing an EBITDAR surge of almost 11% - rising to £188m. Revenue increased from £643m in 2010 to £674m.