Bupa has launched a new Clinical Training Facility in Staines, southern England, and announced its first UK hospital acquisition since 2008, in a strategic move to strengthen clinical capabilities and address the country’s growing healthcare workforce and capacity challenges.

The state-of-the-art Clinical Training Facility, part of Bupa Campus, will provide in-depth, hands-on training for thousands of healthcare professionals annually. Using advanced technologies such as virtual reality (VR), 3D simulation, and high-fidelity mannequins, the facility will offer courses ranging from cardiothoracic care to genomics, acute adult care and dental radiography.

The initiative comes as the National Health Service (NHS) Long Term Workforce Plan forecasts a shortfall of up to 360,000 healthcare workers by 2036/37. Bupa’s goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals, supporting NHS partners, higher education institutions and the wider health and care system.

Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India and UK, said: “With no shareholders, we reinvest our profits to train and retain talent, helping to strengthen UK health services and improve outcomes for patients.”

Alongside this training investment, Bupa has agreed terms to acquire New Victoria Hospital, an independent facility in Kingston upon Thames. The acquisition, expected to complete in summer 2025, will give Bupa customers faster, more integrated care pathways, from diagnosis to treatment.

New Victoria Hospital offers 33 beds and specialises in orthopaedics, gynaecology, general surgery and gastroenterology. It also houses advanced diagnostic facilities including a 128-slice CT scanner, cardiac diagnostics, a comprehensive endoscopy unit, and three recently added operating theatres.

Sarah Melia, General Manager for Bupa Health Services, said: “This acquisition expands our hospital services across London and enables patients to move more seamlessly from primary care into treatment. We look forward to integrating expertise and enhancing clinical excellence across specialties.”

The move follows Bupa’s recent acquisitions of The Dermatology Partnership, London Medical, Blackberry Clinics and Cromwell Hospital, and forms part of its wider strategy to invest in UK healthcare infrastructure and workforce development.

The Medical Travel Company, BAPIO Training Academy, and Marengo Asia Hospitals have signed a global partnership to promote medical tourism between the UK and India.