NUFFIELD HEALTH AND KING EDWARD VII's HOSPITAL IN POTENTIAL MERGER TALKS

Online, May 10, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Nuffield Health, the Health charity with 31 hospitals, 6 medical centres and 65 Fitness and Wellbeing centres in the UK and King Edward VII's Hospital, one of London's leading private hospitals and a registered charity, are talking to explore the benefits of a merger.

Nuffield Health is the UK's largest health charity. The not-for-profit organisation provides excellent clinical and medical advice and services through hospitals, fitness centres and medical clinics and to thousands of businesses in the UK.

King Edward VII's Hospital is one of London's leading private hospitals, renowned for offering the highest standards of medical care backed by outstanding nurses and first class support staff. The Hospital has a strong military heritage and tradition of providing care and support to the defence industry alongside regular patients.

Both organisations are leaders within the healthcare market and are registered charities. As charities they share an ethos that clearly places patients and clinical decision making ahead of commercial gain. Any surpluses which are made are reinvested for the benefits of their patients.

David Mobbs, Nuffield Health's Chief Executive, says, "Nuffield Health members already benefit from fitness, wellbeing and clinical services in Central London, but we are missing a flagship London hospital. King Edward VII's Hospital shares our brand values very well and together we would be able to offer London patients excellent care in first-rate facilities."

A recent strategic review carried out for King Edward VII's Hospital showed that a potential merger could be in the long-term interests of the Hospital - especially with respect to funding major capital projects.

John Lofthouse, Chief Executive at King Edward VII's Hospital, says: "Nuffield Health is a major player in the UK healthcare market and shares King Edward VII's Hospital's commitment to providing the highest standards of care and quality. These talks may provide us with an exciting opportunity to further benefit our patients whilst securing our long term future."

The discussions on the merger are at an early stage and will continue over the next few months.