The latest data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) shows there was an increase in the number of reported admissions at Scotland’s private hospitals from quarter 3 (July to September) 2024 to the same period in 2025.
The 13,140 reported admissions in quarter 3 2025 were at the highest total ever for that time of year and represented a 7% increase on quarter 3 in 2024.
Admissions up across payment methods and age groups
Private medical insurance remained the preferred payment method and the number of admissions funded this way increased by 5%. Self-pay admissions (where the patient pays directly for their treatment through savings or loans) increased by 10%. The difference between the payment types was just over 1,000 admissions.
There were increases in admissions for every age group, except those aged 0-9. The biggest increase was in the 40-49 year old group. The most admissions (2,550) came for patients in the 50-59 age group.
Cataract admissions (2,255) was the most common reason for admission and was up by 5%. The next two highest admissions were for Hip replacement (620) and Upper GI endoscopy (580).
There were more consultants (523) active in private practice in Scotland than ever before.
Improving transparency in the private sector
Richard Wells, PHIN’s Director of Technology and Insights, said: “As an independent and not-for-profit organisation, our remit is to improve understanding of the private sector in the UK to help patients make more informed decisions.
“Our latest data shows that in Scotland, there seems to be an increasing appetite or need to use the private healthcare sector for diagnostic tests and treatment.
“There are seasonal variations throughout the year with quarter 3 normally being the lowest period. Although that pattern continued in 2025, there were the highest number of admissions we’ve ever seen for a third quarter.”
PHIN publishes its Market Update every quarter to keep people informed about what is happening in the private sector. Along with the information available on its website (www.phin.org.uk) this enables patients to make more informed choices about their healthcare..
