Increase in admissions in all age groups from 40 to 49 upwards

The total number of reported admissions at Wales’ private hospitals in 2025 was 570 above 2024 meaning that private sector admissions are at an all-time record for the fifth consecutive year, according to the latest figures from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), the independent, UK-government mandated body which promotes transparency in healthcare and informs patient choice.

There was a total of 32,000 admissions reported by Wales’ 10 private hospitals in 2025, which was a 2% increase on the number in 2024. The number of patient admissions paid for using private medical insurance (PMI) were up 2% and self-pay (those opting to fund their own admission for a surgical or diagnostic procedure through savings or a loan) were up 1%. Both were at the highest levels ever.

Quarter 1 (Jan-Mar) 2025 had the highest quarterly total ever for both payment methods.

‘Cataract surgery’ remains by far the most common procedure and also had the highest volume increase (480 admissions). ‘Carpal tunnel release’ had the highest percentage increase (16.9%).

There was an increase in admissions in all age groups from 40 to 49 upwards, compared to 2024. The largest volume increase was in the 60 to 69 age group (140). The 50 to 59 age groups had the largest (2.7%) percentage increase.

Richard Wells, Director of Technology and Insights at PHIN said: “Private hospital admissions in Wales have increased year-on-year since 2021 and the latest figures continue that trend. This shows the importance some patients place on the choice offered by the private sector. The total number of admissions represents about 1% of the population in Wales, with the majority of people still being treated by the NHS.

“Both private medical insurance and self-pay admissions were at record levels. Our data shows though that there are distinct differences between the type of procedures people have, depending on how it is being funded.

“Cataract surgery is the most popular procedure for either payment method.

“There are three procedures that only appear in the self-pay funded Top 10. They are ‘Breast enlargement’, ‘Spinal decompression (lumbar)’ and ‘Carpal tunnel release’.

“For insured admissions, the three different procedures are ‘Hysteroscopy – diagnostic’ (a gynaecology scope) and ‘Colonoscopy – therapeutic’ and ‘Bladder examination via cystoscopy’ (gastroenterology scopes).

“This diversity demonstrates the role the private sector plays in facilitating patient choice in terms of the procedures they have, where they have them and how they are paid for. Our UK government-backed, independent website (www.phin.org.uk) is here to help patients understand the choices available to them.”