New LaingBuisson figures on acute independent healthcare market reveal regional disparities

Regional disparities in private healthcare demand continue to dictate business mix for private & voluntary (independent sector) hospitals operating in the UK. In London, private healthcare spending grew strongly in 2013 and 2014 as international funding grew rapidly and self-pay demand was strong. Meanwhile, in the rest of the UK more modest private self-pay increases, and a real contraction in medical cover payouts were compensated by continued strong growth in NHS business.