Circle Health Group, the UK’s largest independent hospital operator, can today announce that it has acquired Fairfield Independent Hospital, in a deal that will add the 28 -bed facility to Circle’s existing portfolio of 52 Hospitals across the UK.
Over 45 years, Fairfield Independent Hospital has grown to become one of the leading independent hospitals in the area. With 28 inpatient rooms, 10 outpatient consultation rooms, 2 surgical theatres and 192 staff, the hospital is well placed to offer a broad range of services to patients across the North West of England. The deal intends to enhance the facilities and services on offer to patients in the North West of England, building on the existing track record of high patient satisfaction and outstanding quality of care.
Circle’s priorities will be to improve patient access to appointments, enhancing the profile of the hospital's diagnostic and surgical capabilities from Orthopaedic through to General Surgery in addition to Outpatient and physiotherapy services.
Circle has an extensive footprint in the region with facilities in Manchester, Rochdale, Huddersfield, Bolton, Blackburn and Lancaster. PHIN (Private Healthcare Information Network) consistently recognises Circle as the “top-rated” independent sector provider for patient experience. In 2024, 98% of Circle’s patients rated their experience as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ and 90% of Circle’s hospitals are rated either “Good” or “Outstanding” by their regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Having assumed operational control, Circle Health Group are working, with staff and doctors at Fairfield Independent Hospital welcoming them to Circle’s existing workforce of over 9,000 staff and 6,500 consultants. While the hospital is fully integrated into Circle’s existing network, Fairfield Independent Hospital will continue to operate as normal, with no impact to patient services.
Commenting on the agreement, Karen Prins, Interim CEO of Circle Health Group, said: “We share the same values with Fairfield Independent Hospital and are resolute in our dedication to transforming what patients can expect from their private hospital experience. Circle Health Group have recently been recognised for a fourth consecutive year as the UK’s Private Hospital Group of the Year as well as one of the Top 5 national employers; we have a track record of cutting waiting times and delivering high clinical standards in the North West, we look forward to serving many more patients across the region.”
Cyril Barratt, Chairman of Fairfield Independent Hospital, said: “This agreement with Circle Health Group will ensure a stable and secure future for Fairfield. It will enable our dedicated and talented team to continue the great work that they do. Circle Health Groups values are closely aligned with those of Fairfield as we both share a strong passion for and commitment to excellent patient care. This is an exciting time for us all and we look forward to the opportunities this acquisition brings. We are confident that this deal will add another successful and prosperous chapter to Fairfield’s story.”
