Scottish private hospital admissions reach record high in 2025

A record number of admissions to private sector hospitals was recorded in 2025.

The total number of reported admissions was 54,000 across Scotland’s 16 private hospitals – 3,045 more than the previous year, according to new figures published by the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN).  

This most recent six per cent increase represents the fifth year in a row that private sector admissions have reached all-time highs.  

The number of patient admissions paid for using private medical insurance is up five per cent, and those opting to fund their own admission for a surgical or diagnostic procedure through savings or a loan rose by seven per cent. Both were at the highest levels ever.

Although it did not have the largest volume increase, Scotland had the largest percentage increase for admissions anywhere in the UK last year.  

There was an increase in admissions for all age groups compared with 2024, except for 0–9-year-olds.

The most common reason for admission is for cataract surgery – this figure increased by over eight per cent on the previous year.  

Reacting to the figures, Scottish Labour’s health spokesperson, Jackie Baillie, has called on the Scottish Government to end the “creeping privatisation” of the NHS.

She said: “These damning statistics show John Swinney and the SNP have let a two-tier healthcare system take hold in Scotland.

“Record numbers of Scots are being forced to spend their savings on basic care, while others have no choice but to languish on endless NHS waiting lists.

“With the future of our NHS on the line, we cannot afford another five years of SNP failure.

“John Swinney and the SNP must end the creeping privatisation of our NHS and deliver an NHS that is there for people when they need it.”

Richard Wells, director of technology and insights at PHIN, said: “Private hospital admissions in Scotland continue to increase year-on-year. This shows the importance some patients place on the choice offered by the private sector. The total number of admissions still represents less than one per cent of the population in Scotland, 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.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scotland continues to have a substantially lower rate of take up of private healthcare compared to England.

“It is also important to note that the number of private admissions represents a very small proportion of acute hospital activity carried out by the NHS.

“We are expanding access to the NHS in Scotland - exceeding the target to deliver 150,000 extra appointments and procedures and reducing long waits for new outpatients by 76.5 per cent and inpatient/ day case waits down by 47.4 per cent since July 2025.”