BMI Healthcare margins squeezed further in 2012

Debt burden and lacklustre top line growth of 1% combined to push BMI Healthcare Limited, the acute private hospital provider, further into loss for the year ended 30 September 2012. As recorded in its annual report and accounts, revenue edged up to £822m (2011: £813m) largely due to a 1.3% increase in caseload. However net operating costs of £852m including £179m of rent (2011: £839m) combined with loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets of £1.6m (£253,000), interest payable of £44m (2011: £33m), notwithstanding interest received of £6m (2011: £8m), led to a loss on ordinary activities before taxation of £70m (2011: loss of £51m).