A CARE firm is set to expand further after buying up a company with treatment centres in the west of England.

Colchester-based Care UK, a health and social care provider, has acquired UK Specialist Hospitals (UKSH). Like Care UK, it runs elective surgery centres for NHS-funded patients.

UKSH operates five treatment centres in the south west of England, which complement the six Care UK centres located in North East London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Gillingham, Chesterfield and Bradford.

Care UK chief executive Mike Parish said both firms had demonstrated the ability to cut waiting times and time spent in hospital and “to virtually eliminate the risk of infections such as MRSA or C. difficile”.

“Both Care UK and UK Specialist Hospitals have a very strong track record of exceptional levels of quality of care and of fantastic outcomes for patients,” he said.

“We know that the services we provide make a vital difference to the quality of life for a very large number of patients – and for their families.

“At the same time, the way in which we provide those services makes a positive contribution to the NHS.

“By bringing our expertise and services together, we will be able to continue to deliver the best patient experience in the most efficient way.”

More patients would have quicker access to elective care and more services, he said.