Bupa to acquire Partnered Health Group

Bupa has agreed to acquire Partnered Health Group and its network of integrated healthcare services as part of its goal to improve access to high-quality healthcare and support Australia’s health system.

This acquisition will add Partnered Health’s national network of general practices, skin cancer, allied health and mental health clinics, alongside its corporate health and wellbeing services, to Bupa’s growing health services footprint across Australia.

Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition will include 68 primary care clinics and three urgent care clinics, in addition to corporate health and wellbeing services delivered through the Jobfit, Baseline Onsite, New View Psychology, NewPsych Psychology, and Australian EAP brands.

Bupa APAC CEO, Nick Stone, said acquiring Partnered Health’s established health network is a natural next step for Bupa as it continues to expand its health provision network and grow its multidisciplinary health offerings.

“As a diversified health care provider, we’re focused on what we can do to better meet the health and wellbeing needs of Australians, as well as help support the careers of the GPs and clinicians that deliver that care,” Mr Stone said.

“We’ve been steadily growing our national network of medical centres, urgent care and mental health clinics to help provide easier access to essential, primary health care services for all Australians.

“At the same time, we’ve been investing in the delivery of health and wellbeing services to our corporate and government customers, offering deep experience and preventative health solutions that reduce risks and drive better health outcomes in the workplace.

“Bringing Partnered Health’s services into the Bupa network is an exciting opportunity to grow a well-established primary care and corporate wellbeing network that is backed by a strong team dedicated to supporting the health of their local communities.”

Bupa currently operates 32 Bupa Medical and 13 Mindplace clinics, alongside its dental, optical and hearing services across Australia. Bupa’s network, alongside Blua, our digital health platform, will enable us to expand access to everyday care and the data shows Australians are using it. Last year, 367,000 customers used a Blua service, with usage growing strongly year on year.

“Our ambition is to improve patient care through prevention and more personalised pathways, while preserving consumer choice and clinical independence. We know when people get care earlier, health outcomes improve and costs fall. That’s good for patients and Australia’s healthcare system,” Mr Stone said.

“Our Bupa clinics are open to everyone, not just Bupa members. We continue to support full clinical autonomy for doctors and respect the critical role they play in helping to achieve better health outcomes for patients.”

Partnered Health Managing Director and CEO Dr Malcolm Parmenter said today’s announcement was an important milestone in the evolution of the Partnered Health business.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Partnered Health to continue to deliver high quality healthcare outcomes for our patients and customers. The combination with Bupa will enable us to continue to support our clinicians and our people while growing our clinic footprint and expanding our service offering,” Dr Parmenter said.

“Importantly for all of us, Bupa is committed to that same clinical autonomy that our clinicians have always enjoyed at Partnered Health.”

The acquisition is subject to ACCC and Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval, and other customary conditions.