Circle Health Group

Our values talk about empowering our people to deliver the very best for our patients. Dan Biggar stopped by The London Independent Hospital last week to talk about what drives success in teams. Another great visit driving excellence in our teams.

Falling on 8th March every year, International Women’s Day celebrates the accomplishments of women around the world, while campaigning for a world with greater gender equality. Here at Circle Health Group, we offer several management and leadership development programs to support female staff advance in their careers and increase representation at all levels. In the last two years alone, more than 580 females have completed a development programme. In this post, you'll hear first-hand experiences of the opportunities available within our organisation from Nichola Evans, Executive Director at Goring Hall Hospital, Hannah Dyer, Executive Director at The London Independent Hospital, Lisa Trybus, Executive Director at The Clementine Churchill Hospital and Victoria Bowden, Executive Director at Bishops Wood Hospital. Image description for audience with visual impairments: 1. a square image with a blue background. In the upper half, pink and white flower-like shapes are arranged around the text "International Women's day". Below the text is the phrase "A day dedicated to celebrating the success and empowerment of women within the company, and further afield." 2. a graphic with the text 'In the last two years, more than 580 women have completed a development program'. 3. a woman with blonde hair wearing a floral dress stands next to a blue text box. The text box contains a testimonial about combining motherhood, caregiving, and professional growth with Circle Health Group, including completing a Women's Leadership Course at Oxford Business School. 4. a woman with brown hair smiles next to a blue text box. The text box contains a testimonial about a Women in Leadership course at the University of Oxford, sponsored by Circle Health Group. 5. a graphic showing statistics about women in management roles within Circle Health Group. It includes three sections: 51% of senior management and leadership roles are held by women, 65% of staff in all management roles are women, and 77% of the workforce is made up of women. Each section also includes a small illustration related to the statistic. 6. a woman with purple hair and a patterned top stands next to a blue text box. The text box contains a testimonial about her 25+ year career in private healthcare. 7. a woman with short blonde hair and a dark top with red dots stands next to a blue text box. The text box contains a testimonial about her 26-year career growth. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025, #AccelerateAction

On Thursday, we joined our partners at Liverpool John Moores University to launch our degree-level hospital management qualification. The course is a UK first and recognises for the first time the complexity of the role of hospital Executive Director, with training ranging from patient safety and clinical standards, to overseeing the hospital estate, hospitality services and commercial issues, to managing highly trained and specialised consultants, to interacting with coroners and supporting families facing unexpected bereavement. Whilst courses exist in general healthcare management, there is currently no UK qualification available in hospital management.    Our first cohort began the course in January this year and the launch event marked the first time the whole group had been together. During the day, students were visited by Circle’s Chief Operating Officer, Karen Prins and Professor Adam Shore, Director of Liverpool Business School. Both Karen and Professor took time to meet students and share with them their own experience as leaders in their respective fields. Circle Health Group Head of Learning and Development, Jenny McKnight, said: “This has never been tried before in UK healthcare, but we believe this investment in leadership and development will reap dividends for our patients, with a group of hospital managers fully equipped to handle the daily challenges that hospital management throws their way. From dealing with coroners to delivering mass catering, or from procuring MRI machines to handling patient complaints, no two days are the same on a busy hospital floor, and most leaders are simply left to learn on the job. We think there’s a better way, because patient care is too important to risk gaps in leadership and learning.”    Liverpool John Moores University’s Head of Management Development and Innovation at Liverpool Business School, Lisa Knight said: “Our strong focus on healthcare leadership and management has seen us build a portfolio of training for both private providers and NHS trusts. We are delighted to reach the milestone of this pioneering degree-level qualification and to do so with Circle with whom we have built an award-winning partnership over many years. Training people in high-pressure jobs to be effective and to thrive is vitally important for delivery of services but also for the retention of valuable staff in their roles.”    [Video description: Jenny McKnight, Karen Prins and Adam Shore talk about what learning means to them and why a qualification like this is so important to the safe and effective delivery of care to patients.]

On Friday, we were delighted to welcome Nigel Huddleston MP to The Droitwich Spa Hospital in Worcestershire. The visit gave Mr Huddleston the opportunity to better understand how Circle Health Group’s hospitals support the delivery of care to NHS patients through the choice mechanism. During his visit, Mr Huddleston met staff and doctors, hearing about the work they do playing a critical role in the local health economy. Led by Executive Director Claire Davenport, Mr Huddleston saw first-hand the extensive range of facilities and services available to patients and was impressed by the hospital's patient outcomes, satisfaction scores and commitment to job creation in his constituency. The tour ended with a roundtable discussion, focused on the importance of patients having access to choice and how The Droitwich Spa Hospital had committed to continue providing fast access to high quality services for NHS patients across the county. Commenting on his visit, Mr Huddleston said: “Many of my constituents are concerned about long waits and what that might mean for their health. Droitwich Spa Hospital is leading the way in promoting the choice mechanism and guaranteeing that NHS patients can get the treatment they need in a timely way. Very often there are NHS appointments going spare at local independent hospital like The Droitwich Spa in my constituency and may patients don’t realise or are not informed that they have a right to see the waiting times and choose where they have their treatment delivered.” He concluded by saying, “The Droitwich Spa Hospital has an outstanding reputation locally for the quality of their services and the experience patients have when they visit. I was impressed with the wealth of knowledge and expertise available here and I strong believe that all NHS patients should be able to exercise their right to choose a hospital like this.” Our thanks to Mr Huddleston and his team for taking the time to visit us and hear more about the work we do in support of the nation’s health. [Image description: three individuals dressed in formal attire wearing identification badges, posing outside The Droitwich Spa Hospital under its sign.]

The opening of Inverness Outpatient Centre last month allows the team of highly skilled specialists to offer consultations tailored to the needs of patients across the Highlands and Islands region. Their approach ensures patients receive the highest level of care, with a focus on accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment, and effective management of their needs. For patients requiring surgery, their procedures will be carried out at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen, under the care of the same consultant they met at Inverness Outpatient Centre. If you’d like to book an outpatient appointment or you simply want to find out more, please visit: https://bit.ly/3WZOloa Image description for audience with visual impairments: 1: Exterior view of the Inverness Outpatient Centre 2: Interior view of Inverness Outpatient Centre lobby showing white chairs, a reception desk and large windows. 3: Examination room featuring medical equipment. Bright and clean aesthetic.

Many people are unaware that drinking any amount of alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, and liver cancer. Awareness is the first step towards prevention. This year, Cancer Prevention Action Week’s focus is the link between alcohol and cancer. Cutting back on alcohol or stopping entirely can significantly reduce your cancer risk as well as improve your overall health by lowering the risk of liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and other alcohol-related health issues. Were you aware of these factors? Are you taking any steps to reduce your risk? Share this post to raise the awareness. Image description for audience with visual impairment. 1: Promotional image for Cancer Prevention Action Week featuring two smiling individuals outdoors with text "Make a healthy choice become a habit." 2: An infographic with health advice including eating healthy, maintaining regular exercise, getting regular checkups, and reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption.

We are delighted to announce that we are finalists in the Private Hospital Group of the Year category at this year’s HealthInvestor awards. This is the fifth year that we have been shortlisted in this prestigious category that recognises the UK’s leading independent hospital operator. To be selected is a testament to the hard work and dedication of people across the UK who make an enormous difference to the lives of the patients they see. Our congratulations to the other finalists and fingers crossed for June! Image description: logo of the HealthInvestor Awards 2025 with 'Private Hospital Group of the Year' as the category. The design features bold white text on a dark red background with red arrows.

As we conclude National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we are excited to share one final story from our talented nurse, Pam. Her words truly capture the essence of why we believe apprenticeships are so important. Watch Pam in action, dedicated to her patients and her team, and see what a day in her life looks like. “I had always dreamed of becoming a nurse or midwife, but as a single person, I couldn't afford to study without working. My nursing journey began nearly 13 years ago as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in Dementia care. During this time, I attained my NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Social and Dementia Care before joining Three Shires Hospital as an HCA. To meet the criteria for the Registered Nurse Associate (RNA) apprenticeship, I had to re-sit my English and Maths, as my previous qualifications were not recognised. Despite the challenges, I qualified in December 2021 and proudly completed my first revalidation in December 2024. After qualifying, with immense support from my Ward Manager, colleagues, and friends, my confidence has grown tremendously - I am lucky to say “I love my job”. This was not an easy journey for me, but I’m incredibly proud of not giving up. I cannot thank Circle Health Group enough for the opportunity to expand my knowledge, move my career forward with extra responsibility, and build my confidence both professionally and personally.” Video description for audience with visual impairment: Pam, Registered Nurse Associate at Three Shires Hospital takes us along to a day in her life. #NAWWeekender #NAW2025

If you're wondering what a non-clinical apprenticeship with Circle Health Group looks like, Carol's story is a perfect example. As an Executive Assistant at Mount Alvernia Hospital, Carol took on an HR Level 3 apprenticeship and found it to be a rewarding challenge. 'For anyone considering enrolling on to an apprenticeship with CHG, I would definitely recommend. I'm currently working as an Executive Assistant at Mount Alvernia - a role that gives me exposure to many different aspects of the HR world. I saw that Circle were offering an HR level 3 apprenticeship- it seemed the obvious choice. Circle were a great support - from the tutorials to the end point assessment - everyone was really supportive. It is hard work but I found it a challenge as it took me outside of my comfort zone. I achieved a distinction for my end point assessment and exam - it was definitely worth all of the hard work.' Image description for audience with visual impairment: Carol smiling for her National Apprenticeship Week photo.

As we approach the end of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, it's important to take a moment to celebrate the incredible successes of our apprentices who make our company what it is. We couldn't be prouder of them and our teams. Image description for audience with visual impairment: 1: Group of apprentices holding foil balloons that spell "CONGRATS" in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. 2,3,4: Staff in graduation attire smiling on their graduation day #CelebrationFriday #NAW25