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EU states approve AI Act

In December, European policymakers gathered in Brussels to hash out the first framework for AI regulation. Despite threats to derail it, all 27 EU member states have now given it a collective thumbs up - but concerns around overregulation, bureaucracy, and the stifling of innovation remain. 

UK pharmacists given green light to prescribe as primary care can’t cope

Pharmacists in the UK now have the right to prescribe for common ailments such as sore throats and earaches. In France, Ireland and Portugal pharmacists also have some prescribing rights and similar initiatives may be introduced in other European countries in the near future. Is this a solution to the GP workforce shortage? And will it be a good thing for private hospital and private primary care groups?

HCA UK adopts Versius surgical robotic system in UK first

The rise of the robotic surgeon marches on. In a UK private sector first, hospital group HCA UK is adopting the Versius surgical robotic system. HBI speaks to an expert from UK-based consultancy Candesic to find out more.

HR Round Up

January comes to an end, rounding off what has been a busy period in personnel changes. We review some of the senior appointments that kicked off the new year including at UK care home operator Cornerstone, property advisor Christie & Co, and healthcare conglomerate Fresenius.

Bankrupt English councils a worry for care operators

As increasing numbers of local councils in England declare themselves bankrupt, fees are giving care home operators cause for concern. HBI catches up with two market experts to understand why more insolvencies are on the way, and what this could mean for the sector’s future.

New entrants could disrupt “tough” fertility market

The cost-of-living crisis is having a huge impact on fertility patients, making the sector ripe for disruption. A fertility expert tells HBI cunning new entrants will be the winners while established PE could well be the losers.

UK Home Office plans threaten overseas recruitment

The UK’s care sector has become heavily dependent on foreign nations for its healthcare workforce. With new proposals from the Home Office restricting whether families can accompany some workers coming to the UK, HBI speaks to two operators to hear what impact the plans could have.

Interview: Rebekah Cresswell, CEO, Priory

With a workforce on its knees, it is little surprise that the prospect of ‘care as a career' is becoming an increasingly difficult reality. HBI speaks to UK mental health and social care provider Priory’s CEO Rebekah Cresswell about the government’s latest reforms, and how staff retention can be improved even when times are tough.

PureHealth completes on Circle

UAE-based healthcare conglomerate PureHealth has completed its takeover of UK hospital group Circle Health. It acquired the asset in August for $1.2bn.

NHS app: the opportunity for private providers

Nearly two-thirds (62%) of registered NHS app users are over 66. Does this present an opportunity for private providers and their own digital offerings? Three E-vangelists explain why pioneers should be cautious.

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