Private Hospitals in Bath (2026): Sulis, Services, Costs & How to Book
Looking for private healthcare in Bath? The main private hospital here — Sulis, the former Circle Bath — has a unique status: it’s the only independent hospital in the UK wholly owned by an NHS Trust. This independent guide covers what’s available in and around Bath, typical costs, how self-pay and insurance work, and nearby options in Bristol. We’re not affiliated with any hospital.
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Quick Answer: Private Hospitals in Bath
The main private hospital serving Bath is Sulis Hospital, at Foxcote Avenue, Peasedown St John, about 6 miles south of the city centre — the facility formerly known as Circle Bath. It’s now owned by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH), making it the first independent hospital in the UK wholly owned by an NHS Trust, and it treats self-pay, insured and NHS-choice patients.
Bath also has private GP, diagnostic and outpatient services in the city itself, and larger private hospitals a short drive away in Bristol (including Spire Bristol). Private consultations start around £150–£250; procedures range widely. Private hospitals here handle planned care only — there’s no private A&E. Compare cover for treatment in Bath.
What this guide covers
Private Healthcare in Bath
Bath is well served for private healthcare despite its size, thanks largely to one substantial hospital on its southern edge plus a network of private GP and diagnostic services in the city. Whether you’re going private to skip an NHS wait, want a specific consultant, or are using health insurance, you have solid options locally — and Bristol’s larger hospitals are only a short drive away for more specialist needs.
Sulis Hospital — the Former Circle Bath
ℹ️ Circle Bath → Sulis: what changed
If you remember this hospital as Circle Bath, you’re in the right place — it’s the same building at Foxcote Avenue. It was taken over by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH) and rebranded as Sulis Hospital. The distinctive part: Sulis is now the first independent hospital in the UK to be wholly owned by an NHS Trust. It still runs as a private hospital, but any surplus is reinvested into the RUH and local NHS — a “social mission” model unique among UK private hospitals. (Our separate Circle Bath page covers the history in more detail.)
Practically, this ownership brings some real advantages for patients: most of its 150+ consultants also hold NHS posts at the RUH, giving continuity of care, and the hospital follows NHS governance standards, with a proud zero-incident record for hospital-acquired MRSA and C. difficile. It’s a purpose-designed, modern facility with a calm, “biophilic” healing environment.
Location
Foxcote Avenue, Bath Business Park, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8SQ — ~6 miles south of the city.
NHS Trust-owned
Wholly owned by RUH Bath — the only private hospital in the UK with this status.
150+ consultants
Most also hold substantive NHS posts at the Royal United Hospital.
Parking
On-site car park directly in front; regular buses to nearby Peasedown St John.
Services & Specialties
Sulis offers a broad range of private services, with particular strength in orthopaedics:
- Orthopaedics — dedicated centres of excellence for hip, knee and shoulder surgery, plus sports injury rehab
- General surgery and urology — including robotic (da Vinci XI) urology procedures via the RUH site
- Cardiology — heart health and circulation assessment
- Diagnostics — AI-enabled MRI, ultrasound and a full range of scans and tests
- Private GP — in-person, video or phone appointments; see private GP in Bath
- Physiotherapy (see private physiotherapy), rheumatology, neurology, pain management and health assessments
Typical Costs for Private Treatment in Bath
Costs depend on the procedure, consultant and complexity. As an indicative guide for 2026:
| Service | Indicative private cost |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | £150–£250 |
| MRI scan | £350–£700 |
| Knee arthroscopy | from ~£3,200 |
| Knee replacement | £12,000–£15,000 |
| Hip replacement | £12,000–£15,000 |
Indicative ranges only — always request a written, itemised quote confirming what’s included. Sulis offers fixed-price self-pay packages and interest-free (0% APR) payment plans over up to 24 months. Compare procedure prices in our private surgery costs guide and see interest-free treatment credit for how finance works.
Self-Pay vs Insurance
Self-pay
- Book directly — usually no GP referral needed
- Fixed-price packages and 0% payment plans
- Good for one-off procedures or if you have no cover — see costs
Private medical insurance
- Check Sulis is on your hospital list
- Needs a referral + pre-authorisation first
- Best for ongoing cover across many conditions — compare policies
Not sure which suits you? Our guides on whether insurance is worth it and the best UK insurers walk through the trade-offs. Sulis also treats NHS patients via NHS Patient Choice — worth knowing if you’d rather use an NHS referral to be treated there.
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How to Book & Referrals
- Self-pay: you can usually self-refer and book directly with a consultant — no GP referral required
- Insured: get a GP or specialist referral, then pre-authorisation from your insurer before booking
- NHS Patient Choice: ask your GP to refer you to Sulis via the NHS e-Referral system
For how private treatment works end to end, see our step-by-step guide.
Nearby Options in Bristol
For more specialist treatment, or simply more choice, Bristol is about 17 miles away and has several larger private hospitals and clinics:
- Spire Bristol Hospital — a large full-service private hospital
- Private hospitals in Bristol — the full local guide
- Private MRI Bristol, blood tests and private GP Bristol
No Private A&E — What to Know
⚠️ Private hospitals in Bath are for planned care only
Sulis and other private facilities in Bath do not run emergency departments. In a medical emergency, call 999 or go to the NHS A&E at the Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bath. Because Sulis is part of the RUH Trust, it has close links for the rare cases where a patient needs a critical-care transfer. For more on this, see do private hospitals offer emergency care?
Frequently Asked Questions
What private hospitals are there in Bath?
The main private hospital serving Bath is Sulis Hospital at Foxcote Avenue, Peasedown St John, about 6 miles south of the city centre. This is the facility formerly known as Circle Bath. There are also private GP, diagnostic and outpatient services within Bath itself, and larger private hospitals a short drive away in Bristol, including Spire Bristol.
Is Sulis Hospital the same as Circle Bath?
Yes — it’s the same building. The hospital that opened as Circle Bath was taken over by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and rebranded as Sulis Hospital. It is now the first independent hospital in the UK to be wholly owned by an NHS Trust, though it still operates as a private hospital treating self-pay, insured and NHS-choice patients.
How much does private treatment in Bath cost?
Costs depend on the procedure and consultant. As a rough guide, an initial private consultation is around £150–£250, and common procedures might range from around £3,000 for a knee arthroscopy to £12,000–£15,000 for a hip replacement. Sulis Hospital offers fixed-price self-pay packages and interest-free payment plans; always request a written quote for your specific treatment.
Do I need a GP referral for private treatment in Bath?
If you’re paying privately, you can usually self-refer and book directly with a consultant at Sulis Hospital without a GP referral. If you’re claiming on private medical insurance, your insurer will normally require a GP or specialist referral and pre-authorisation first. NHS patients can also choose Sulis through NHS Patient Choice.
Which insurers are accepted at Sulis Hospital?
Sulis Hospital works with the major UK health insurers, including Bupa, and treats self-pay and NHS-choice patients too. As with any private hospital, check that your specific policy and hospital list include Sulis before booking, and obtain pre-authorisation from your insurer.
Does Bath have a private A&E or emergency department?
No. Private hospitals in Bath, including Sulis, are for planned (elective) care and do not run emergency departments. In a medical emergency you should call 999 or go to the NHS A&E at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath. Sulis works closely with the RUH for the rare cases where a patient needs critical-care transfer.
What services does Sulis Hospital offer?
Sulis offers a broad range of private services including orthopaedics (with dedicated hip, knee and shoulder centres), general surgery, urology (including robotic surgery via the RUH), cardiology, diagnostics with AI-enabled MRI and ultrasound, a private GP service, physiotherapy and health assessments. Most of its 150-plus consultants also hold NHS posts at the Royal United Hospital Bath.
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⚕️ Important Disclaimer
Going Private UK is an independent editorial site, not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by Sulis Hospital, the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust or any other provider. Facilities, services, ownership and accepted insurers change — always confirm directly with the hospital before booking, and check your own insurance policy and hospital list.
Costs are indicative 2026 ranges and change; confirm written quotes directly. Private hospitals in Bath provide planned care only and do not offer emergency treatment — in an emergency call 999 or attend the RUH A&E. This guide is general information, not medical or financial advice. We may earn commission when readers compare cover through our links, which funds our research but doesn’t affect our guidance. See our disclaimer and terms.
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