Independent hospitals shifting further towards mixed provision

The shift towards mixed provision in the UK’s private and voluntary hospitals sector is maintaining momentum as NHS funded surgical admissions continue to grow apace and private patient funding remains flat. According to the latest research from LaingBuisson, the trend towards mixed provision continued in 2012 and a similar scenario is projected for 2013. Figures published exclusively in the new report, Private Acute Medical Care 2013, show that income generated by independent acute medical hospitals and clinics from treating NHS patients grew by 7.5% in real terms to reach £1.2bn in 2012 – a figure which represents 27.5% of total hospital incomes of £4.4bn during the year, up from 26% in 2011. The NHS share is projected to grow further to nearly 29% in 2013.