The provision of a managed service, followed by the development and operation of a Private Patient Unit

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 £6 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 £1.5 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:

https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Southampton:-Hospital-facilities-construction-work./HYK784FHM8

To respond to this opportunity, please click here:

https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/HYK784FHM8

Lots

This procurement was divided into 1 lots, each awarded separately.

Tender Documents

• Tender notice on Find a Tender → — Tender notice