Circle Health Group

Circle Health Group is the largest private hospital operator in the United Kingdom, established in 2004 by former investment banker Ali Parsa and consultant ophthalmologist Massoud Fouladi. Originally named Centres Of Clinical Excellence Limited, the company was founded with a vision to create a healthcare model akin to a partnership, empowering clinicians to enhance quality and efficiency. Parsa, a British-Iranian entrepreneur who had previously worked as an investment banker, was inspired to enter the healthcare sector after his own experience with knee surgery, believing he could offer a superior service. He stepped down as CEO in December 2012 to pursue other projects.

The company's history includes significant milestones and strategic shifts. A pivotal moment was the acquisition of its larger rival, BMI Healthcare, in December 2019, which solidified its position as the UK's biggest private hospital provider and led to its rebranding as Circle Health Group. This acquisition substantially increased its annual revenues to nearly £1 billion. The company has undergone several ownership changes. In 2019, American healthcare company Centene took a stake, gaining full ownership in July 2021. Subsequently, in a deal valued at approximately $1.2 billion, Centene sold Circle Health Group to PureHealth, an Abu Dhabi-based healthcare platform, with the transaction completing in January 2024.

Circle Health Group's business model caters to a diverse client base, including privately insured individuals, self-paying patients, and patients referred by the National Health Service (NHS). Revenue is generated through the provision of a wide array of medical and surgical services. In 2023, the company reported revenues of £1.13 billion. It operates a national network of over 50 hospitals and clinics across the UK, employing over 8,200 staff and collaborating with more than 6,000 consultant specialists. The group handles over 2 million patient visits annually, offering more than 500 different treatments across 60 specialties. These services span various medical fields, including orthopaedics, cardiology, gynaecology, general surgery, and rehabilitation services.

Keywords: private healthcare, hospital operator, UK healthcare, surgical services, medical treatments, clinical services, rehabilitation services, NHS partner, private medical insurance, self-pay healthcare, musculoskeletal services, Ali Parsa, Massoud Fouladi, PureHealth, Centene, BMI Healthcare, orthopaedics, cardiology, gynaecology, patient care