The patriotically named Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) has seen a big opportunity in working with the NHS since 2006. The company has formed what it calls HCA NHS Ventures, which are partnerships with NHS trusts to provide clinics and hospitals. Though a part of the NHS, these facilities serve only private patients.
HCA has built several state-of-the-art cancer facilities through the partnership such as Harley Street at University College hospital and the Christie clinic. While real estate selling points are normally not part of NHS treatment, Harley Street at University College London boasts that the cancer ward offers “stunning panoramic views across London”. The company also has a number of strictly private hospitals in London, such as the Princess Grace hospital and the Portland hospital.
HCA, with a market capitalisation of more than $28bn, is known as one of the biggest healthcare facility companies in the US. The company’s UK arm is part of the Private Hospitals Alliance, a lobbying group that supports the role of private company participation in NHS services.
Instead of directly partnering with the NHS, some US companies have entered the UK through acquisitions, hoping to build relationships through existing British companies….read more
