Ramsay Health Care UK exceeds expectations in first year

Ramsay Health Care has released their first annual report since entering the UK market – and the UK business has already exceeded expectations.

Ramsay opened their first hospital over 40 years ago, in Australia, and is still chaired by founder Paul Ramsay. The group now has over 100 hospitals in three countries. The UK business began with the acquisition of Capio Healthcare UK in November 2007, and has since grown through the acquisition of Nottingham Woodthorpe Hospital, from General Healthcare Group, in March 2008.

Chris Rex, Ramsay’s Chief Executive, comments: “Ramsay Health Care UK is performing very well and exceeded expectations in 2008. Hospital admissions were up 23% over the prior year. This was largely due to NHS activity, which increased 237% over the prior period.”

Ramsay Health Care UK’s growth is being bolstered by capital expenditure of some £28 million over the 2009 and 2010 financial years. Chris Rex continues: “Improvements will be carried out at a number of facilities and will increase theatre day surgery and diagnostics capacity.”

Paul Ramsay, Chairman, added: “Our approved investment will lead to a 17% increase in operating capacity and we will continue to look for capacity expansion and bolt-on acquisition opportunities that will add value to our business.”

Jill Watts was appointed Chief Executive of Ramsay Health Care UK in May 2008, having previously managed Ramsay’s largest private hospital, in Brisbane, Australia. Jill Watts commented: “I am delighted that the UK business has been integrated so smoothly. Our results so far show that the strengths of the UK business have been further enhanced by becoming part of the Ramsay group.”