What approaches have NHS hospitals implemented to generate extra income?

In the context of rising costs and increased demand for services, I can see why you’re curious. Of course, the primary source of income for NHS hospitals is the UK government, but there are other initiatives that can help generate extra income.

Some NHS hospitals have established private patient units (PPUs) within their facilities. These are areas that provide private healthcare services alongside traditional NHS services. While the majority of care is still delivered free at the point of need, these PPUs are a good option for patients who want to pay for faster or specialised care. The income from these private services helps supplement the hospital’s overall budget.

NHS hospitals also earn income by charging for non-medical services, like car parking, retail concessions, and rentals. For instance, hospital properties may include shops and restaurants whose rent contributes to the hospital’s revenue. Advertisements can also be used as a revenue stream in pregnancy booklets and other educational material, as this website showcases.

Some NHS hospitals earn money through partnerships with academic institutions or pharmaceutical companies for research. These collaborations often provide financial support in exchange for enabling clinical trials or other research studies.