The provision of a managed service, followed by the development and operation of a Private Patient Unit
Overview
Summary, notice description and lot information
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Wessex NHS Procurement Limited, is conducting a tender for the development and operation of a Private Patient Unit under a strategic partnership framework. This procurement, valued at approximately £1.5 billion over 30 years, seeks to enhance private healthcare services at the Southampton General Hospital in the UK, region UKJ32. The process is in the tender stage, with the deadline for expressions of interest set for 7 August 2025.
Bidders can engage through a competitive flexible procedure designed to include dialogue and negotiation, aiming to refine requirements and outcomes. The contract award is expected by 25 September 2026, with the project commencing on 2 November 2026. This tender represents a significant opportunity for experienced private healthcare operators positioned to form a joint venture in a highly strategic and financially sizeable project.
The successful bidder will be involved in both the management of existing private patient services and the development of new, high-acuity service facilities, making it ideal for businesses adept at managing, growing, and innovating within the healthcare sector. Opportunities for expanding outpatient services at other trust locations are also encouraged, ensuring diverse business ventures aligned with NHS values. Candidates who are financially robust and adept in delivering sustainable operational models would be well-suited for this ambitious venture.
Opportunity for Strategic Partnership in Private Healthcare Provision University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust University Hospital Southampton (UHS) is embarking on a transformative journey to expand and enhance its private patient services through a long-term strategic partnership. We are seeking an experienced and visionary private healthcare operator to join us in a Joint Venture (JV) that will deliver high-quality, patient-centred care while supporting the Trust's broader mission to improve health outcomes across the South of England. This opportunity is structured in two distinct phases: Phase 1: Laying the Foundations (Years 1-3) The selected partner will assume operational responsibility for UHS's existing private patient services, which currently generate over PS6 million annually.
The focus will be on: *Introducing commercial expertise in branding, marketing, and operations. *Deploying independent administrative and support teams. *Collaborating with UHS to align private services with NHS priorities via a jointly developed Capacity & Access Model and Service Level Agreement (SLA). *Funding and leading feasibility studies for a new Private Patient Unit (PPU). *Establishing a joint Management Board and a transparent profit-sharing model that ensures minimum returns to UHS. Phase 2: Building the Future (Years 4 and Beyond) The partner will design, finance, construct, and operate a new, state-of-the-art PPU on the Southside of the Southampton General Hospital site. This 26,000 sqm facility will be physically linked to the NHS hospital via a skybridge and will deliver complex, high-acuity services including oncology, cardiology, neurology, and surgery.
The facility will: *Operate under a formal LLP structure. *Emphasise clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, and financial sustainability. *Foster collaboration in training, innovation, and sustainability initiatives. Scope and Strategic Alignment The partnership will balance commercial autonomy with alignment to NHS values and governance. UHS will provide access to theatres, diagnostics, and clinical staff through structured SLAs during phase 1.
The partner will be encouraged to explore opportunities for outpatient expansion at satellite sites such as Adanac Park or other Trust locations. All services must comply with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards and NHS probity requirements. Clinical governance will be overseen by a Management Board and Medical Advisory Committee.
Financial and Operational Expectations Valued at approximately PS1.5 billion over 30 years, the partnership requires a financially robust operator capable of absorbing early-stage investment and operational costs. The JV must generate sustainable surpluses to reinvest in NHS services and infrastructure. Strategic Vision This is a unique opportunity to co-develop a flagship private healthcare offering that complements NHS services, expands patient choice, and drives innovation.
We invite expressions of interest from qualified private healthcare providers who share our commitment to excellence, integrity, and long-term partnership. UHS shall have no liability for any costs howsoever incurred by those participating in this Tender process. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Southampton:-Hospital-f... To respond to this opportunity, please click here: delta-esourcing.com/respond/HYK784FHM8
To be determined through bidder negotiations and the Trust reserves the right not to extend.
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The contract period is 30 years.
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