Bupa has agreed terms to acquire King Edward VII’s Hospital, an independent private hospital located within the prestigious Harley Street health district in central London.

The acquisition is anticipated to complete by the end of this year.

King Edward VII’s Hospital has 56 beds, three operating theatres, and a state-of-the-art specialist outpatient and diagnostic medical clinic that opened in 2022.

It offers outpatient, diagnostics, day case, and inpatient services and specialises in musculoskeletal, women’s health, urology, and digestive health, as well as offering a wide range of additional services, including ophthalmology and dermatology.

The addition of King Edward VII’s Hospital to the Bupa portfolio follows the acquisition of New Victoria Hospital in August.

With New Victoria Hospital’s specialist units for gynaecology and gastroenterology, and Cromwell Hospital’s dedicated orthopaedics, cancer, and cardiac care units, the new trio of Bupa hospitals form a hub for Bupa customers in London, offering access to end-to-end specialist care.

Sarah Melia, general manager of Bupa Health Services, said: “We are delighted to welcome King Edward VII’s Hospital into Bupa, as the third hospital within our network as we expand our secondary care footprint within London.

“The addition of King Edward VII’s Hospital creates a hub of specialist services within the London region for our customers and patients, enabling them to get fast access to care within Bupa.

“We’re excited for the shared health innovation that this hub creates, as well as a premium proposition for healthcare professionals offering greater access to new treatment techniques and best practice through greater collaboration and sharing across the hospital network.”

Sir Richard Sykes, chairman of the board of trustees at King Edward VII’s Hospital, added: “Becoming part of Bupa will mean the hospital will be able to continue its distinctive tradition of excellence and care.

“Our charity, which has operated the King Edward VII’s Hospital since 1899, will now focus entirely on the valuable work of supporting the health of veterans and their families.

“We look forward to developing new ways of supporting the health needs of those who have served our country and their families.”

And hospital chief executive, Jeremy Butler, said: “Both King Edward VII’s and Bupa are well recognised brands, synonymous with high-quality care.

“By creating greater access to speciality care, we aspire to attract more patients and experts to the hospital.”