Still a luxury product

Article Abstract:

The independent healthcare industry in the UK is at a crossroads. With public faith in the long-term health of the state-run National Health Service (NHS) at an all-time low, many observers believe that private healthcare groups should be enjoying stronger growth as more people take up private medical insurance. Contrary to such expectations, however, many independent hospitals are faring poorly, so much so that over a dozen smaller private hospitals have gone into receivership. Much of the trouble can be traced to the low level of private health insurance coverage, estimated at just 11% of the population, as well as to rising healthcare costs and the oversupply of hospital beds in the private sector. The recession of the early 1990s has also contributed to the sector's troubles, having slowed down insurance growth, mainly because disposable incomes have remained fairly stagnant.

Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, Hospital and medical service plans, Medical Care Insurance, Health aspects, Economic aspects, Cover Story, Health insurance

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Careful nursing in the private wing

Article Abstract:

Edward Lea joined BUPA in 1991 as finance director when the British health care provider was on the brink of collapse. Although BUPA has always been the largest private health care provider in the UK since its creation in 1947, it was in a dreadful state when Lea arrived. The firm had been losing market share and customers due to poor customer service standards, a management structure that was too bureaucratic and lacked accountability, and a failure to focus on financial performance. Lea and the other members of the new management team brought in to engineer BUPA's turnaround immediately introduced emergency measures, such as cutting costs and revamping the pricing system. The firm is now back on top of the UK healthcare industry, with a current market share of 45%.

Management, BUPA Health Services Ltd., Lea, Edward

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Walking away

Article Abstract:

Auditors are looking at the risks of contracts with large firms.

United Kingdom, Contracts & orders received, Contracts & orders let, Auditing, Contracts, Contract agreement

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