LycaHealth has become the majority shareholder in KIMS Hospital.
LycaHealth confirmed it is investing more than £140 million to grow its business in the UK over the next five years and part of this investment has allowed them to add KIMS Hospital and its medical centre in Sevenoaks to their portfolio for an undisclosed sum.
LycaHealth’s investment comes seven years after the Kent independent hospital opened its doors to patients in Maidstone and follows the acquisition of Sevenoaks Medical Centre by KIMS Hospital in 2020.
LycaHealth is part of British multinational Lyca Group and also has health clinics in Canary Wharf and Orpington.
It was founded in 2015 by Prema Subaskaran, who as chairwoman, oversees the operational and strategic development of the business, including expansion into new markets.
Commenting on LycaHealth’s latest investment, Subaskaran, (pictured) said: “At LycaHealth, we strongly believe that if we’re to give people access to truly high quality and rapid medical care in the UK, then the private sector should work hand-in-hand with the NHS.
“Our investment in KIMS hospital is a step towards us achieving our long-term goal to provide a complete pathway from diagnosis through to treatment and aftercare for those patients that require it.
“Working with the KIMS team, we’ll be able to improve access to technology and strengthen the facilities on offer that ultimately improve each patient’s individual route to care, providing the best affordable healthcare for the local community.”
Simon James, CEO at KIMS Hospital, (pictured) added: “LycaHealth’s investment comes at a time when demand for healthcare, both NHS and private, continues to grow. With the support and backing of LycaHealth, we have an excellent opportunity to build on our success to date.
“As the largest independent hospital in Kent, we play a critical role supporting the local community, both as a provider of outstanding healthcare and as a local employer, with over 400 employees.
“In partnership with LycaHealth, we have a fantastic opportunity to expand our healthcare provision across Kent, meeting the needs of local people.”