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The UK’s largest independent provider of private healthcare, General Healthcare Group (GHG), whose primary business is BMI Healthcare, has agreed to acquire a stake in Phoenix Hospital in Southend, Essex. The hospital will now be renamed BMI Southend Private Hospital, and will be run as part of BMI Healthcare’s network of more than 70 hospitals and clinics throughout the country.

The former Phoenix Hospital is a purpose-built specialist day case facility that was first opened in 2005 to address the need for more capacity for surgical outpatient facilities in the area. It has two full theatres with associated recovery bays and a range of consulting and treatment Rooms. The hospital’s specialties include ophthalmics, plastic surgery, dermatology, gynaecology, physiotherapy, podiatry and general surgery. The hospital also undertakes a range of contracts for a number of Primary Care Trusts and is a recognised provider of Choose & Book.

The Phoenix Hospital’s Consultant Directors have partnered with BMI to deliver the full potential of their business model and to explore other commercial opportunities within the Essex area. The Consultant Directors will continue to actively recruit new consultant users and advise on the efficient use of clinical resources and theatre scheduling.

General Healthcare Group CEO Adrian Fawcett, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Phoenix Hospital to BMI Healthcare. With its ongoing dedication to high standards of patient care, modern facilities and convenient location, it will make a great addition to the group. We look forward to working alongside the staff and consultants at the hospital in delivering premium healthcare services to the local community.”

Dr Rajesh Aggarwal, consultant director and consultant ophthalmic surgeon at The Phoenix Hospital said: “We are very pleased to be joining BMI Healthcare. Becoming part of its national family of hospitals will give the hospital access to an even greater range of resources from in-house specialists to nationally promoted patient services. Staff, consultants and patients alike are sure to benefit from the group’s brand and its national and regional infrastructure.”