Private Hospital Planned for Edinburgh

Private hospital planned for Edinburgh

Spire Healthcare, the chain of hospitals formerly owned by BUPA, is planning to invest £25m to build a brand-new facility on a site near to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh.

The new diagnostic facility and hospital, which should open in autumn 2009, will be built at a three acre site at Shawfair Park, located just off the Edinburgh city by-pass.

The new facility will include operating theatres, 15 beds and outpatient consulting facilities. It is being funded following Spire's recent acquisition by private equity investor Cinven. A spokesperson for Spire said the organisation has an option on a further 1.5 acres of land at the site "in anticipation of future hospital expansion".

The news is a boost to the private healthcare and medical insurance industry in Scotland, where penetration has traditionally been lower than in England.

Health Insurance Magazine 27 February 2008