Care UK scans possiblities with deal for SMI

THE founder of an Altrincham-based healthcare business which carries out ultrasound scanning in has sold an 80% stake in its business to Care UK.

David Nicholson, the founder and managing director of SMI Ltd (Specialist Medical Imaging) , has sold the stake for an undisclosed sum to Colchester-based Care UK in a deal which it described as a “natural fit” for the business.

SMI was set up in 2004 and employs around 90 people. The staff work across its headoffice and a network of centres including Northwich, Manchester (Alexandra Hospital), Macclesfield and Liverpool.

The company generates turnover of around £3.5m carrying out MRI and CT scans at various surgeries, health centres and hospitals.

Care UK said that the deal would expand its capability to provde flexible, locally-delivered and cost-effective imaging services, saving the NHS money through reduced waiting times, faster treatment and lower rates of hospital admissions.

Care UK already operates eight treatment centres and over 40 primary care facilities including GP and walk-in services, urgent care and out-of-hours services.

Nicholson will remain with the business and join the Care UK management team as director of business development of its diagnostic unit.

Care UK’s Managing Director – Health Care, Dr Mark Hunt said: “The future of diagnostics lies in providing patients with access to services in locations that are convenient to them and at times that reflect their lifestyle. 

“SMI has a strong track record of delivering patient-focused services including seeing 90% of patients within two weeks of referral, and giving GPs and hospital specialists ‘same day’ access to results thanks to a sophisticated patient management system. 

” I’m delighted with this step change in our ability to support GPs and would like to welcome David Nicholson and his team to Care UK.”