Nova Healthcare

What Nova Healthcare does

Nova Healthcare (legal entity HTI St James's Ltd) is a private cancer treatment centre based within the Leeds Cancer Centre at St James's University Hospital, founded in 2009 and operating as part of the Aspen Healthcare group. The facility delivers a comprehensive oncology service spanning Gamma Knife Icon stereotactic radiosurgery (one of only four UK centres and the only one in the North of England), Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR), IMRT/IGRT, MRLinac MRI-guided radiotherapy, brachytherapy (LDR and HDR), da Vinci robotic-assisted prostate surgery, systemic anti-cancer treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted and biological therapies), diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, PET/CT, ultrasound, X-ray), and haematology. Nova is commissioned by NHS England to treat both adult and paediatric patients with Gamma Knife and has treated over 1,500 Gamma Knife patients since 2010 under clinical leadership that includes the Gamma Knife Clinical Director and a team of more than 20 practising consultants across neurosurgery, clinical oncology, haematology, and urology.

The business operates a multi-payer revenue model: NHS commissioning for specialised services, direct billing arrangements with all major UK private medical insurers, self-pay patients on fixed-price treatment packages, and a cashless payment policy (in effect since May 2021). Pricing is structured around fixed-price packages for self-funding patients, Nova Healthcare Standard Rates for uncontracted services, and insurer-negotiated rates on monthly billing cycles. Go-to-market is referral-led: patients enter via GP or specialist clinician referrals (mandatory MDT review for Gamma Knife), NHS pathways, private insurance pre-authorisation, self-referral by phone or email, or via channel partners such as Belfast Private Neurosurgeons for Northern Ireland patients. The centre is CQC-rated 'Good' across all four key questions (safe, effective, caring, well-led), ICO-registered, and an IHPN member, with parent company Aspen Healthcare having received multiple UK and international customer experience and workplace awards.

Nova's strategic positioning rests on three pillars: (1) capital-intensive, scarce technology — Gamma Knife Icon in particular is available at only four UK sites, with Nova holding additional exclusivity in the North of England and for consecutive daily treatments; (2) deep clinical talent — Leeds Cancer Centre pioneered SABR in the UK and has treated more SABR patients than any other UK centre; and (3) co-location within a major NHS teaching hospital, which provides infrastructure (Bexley Wing inpatient beds, diagnostic imaging, multidisciplinary teams) that independent competitors must replicate at significant cost. The facility is a single-site operation with ~11-50 employees and ~20+ consultant practitioners, indicating a focused but capital-light-from-a-property perspective model that leverages NHS infrastructure under partnership rather than building standalone hospital capacity.

Name

Nova Healthcare

Legal name

HTI St James's Ltd

Website

https://novahealthcare.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Nova Healthcare is a private cancer treatment centre in Leeds, UK, operating within Leeds Cancer Centre and owned by Aspen Healthcare. It delivers advanced radiotherapy (including Gamma Knife Icon, SABR, IGRT), robotic prostate surgery, brachytherapy, chemotherapy, and diagnostics to private, insured, and NHS-commissioned cancer patients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Cancer Treatment Services

NAICS

Offices of Physicians (62111), Diagnostic Imaging Centers (621512), Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals (62231)

SIC

Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093), Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Radiation Oncology (HLAKAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Medical Oncology (HLAKAFAB), Advanced Imaging & Specialty Radiology Centers (PET/CT, Nuclear Medicine, Interventional Radiology) (HLAFAKAB), Hospital-Integrated Cancer Centers (Acute Oncology Programs) (HLAFAAAM)

Keywords

• Cancer treatment services
• Radiotherapy services
• Stereotactic radiosurgery
• Prostate brachytherapy
• Chemotherapy infusion

Headquarters

HQ city

Leeds

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Consultant and Facility Fees: Nova Healthcare charges for hospital services including accommodation, nursing care, operating theatre, treatments, tests, drugs, dressings, and equipment. Consultants charge separately for their professional fees. Private patients pay directly or through insurance.
2. Fixed Price Treatment Packages: Self-funding patients can opt for fixed price packages covering specific treatments. These include consultant fees, accommodation, nursing care, theatre charges, included treatments, and one follow-up appointment. Not all services (chemotherapy drugs, sundry items) are included in fixed prices.
3. Private Medical Insurance Billing: Nova Healthcare has direct billing arrangements with all major UK private medical insurers. They process insurance claims on behalf of insured patients. Standard rates apply if no rate is agreed with the insurer.
4. NHS Patient Services: Nova Healthcare treats NHS patients under NHS England commissioning arrangements. NHS covers the costs of care and consultant fees. Sundry items may not be covered.
5. Diagnostic Imaging Services: Access to CT, PET, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and X-ray imaging services for diagnosis and monitoring of conditions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Nova Healthcare is a private cancer treatment centre providing advanced radiotherapy, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, robotic prostate surgery, diagnostic imaging, and haematology services, anchored by the Leeds Gamma Knife Centre — one of only four UK facilities and the only North of England site offering Gamma Knife Icon stereotactic radiosurgery. Treatments are delivered by 20+ consultants spanning neurosurgery, clinical oncology, haematology, and urology, serving NHS-commissioned, privately insured, and self-paying patients within the Leeds Cancer Centre at St James's University Hospital.

Product overview

Nova Healthcare is a private cancer care facility operating as part of the Aspen Healthcare group, located within Leeds Cancer Centre at St James's University Hospital. The company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatments through a portfolio of specialized services, anchored by the Leeds Gamma Knife Centre for stereotactic radiosurgery. The core offerings include radiotherapy (IMRT, IGRT, SABR), systemic anti-cancer treatments (SACT/chemotherapy), brachytherapy, robot-assisted surgery using the da Vinci system, diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, PET/CT), and haematology services. These services are delivered through an integrated model partnering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, providing patients access to world-class technology including one of only four Gamma Knife Icon systems in the UK. The company serves both private pay and insured patients, with support services including translation, accessibility accommodations, and partnerships with Macmillan and Maggie's Centres.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Leeds Gamma Knife Centre — Gamma Knife Icon stereotactic radiosurgery Stereotactic radiosurgery service delivering sub-millimetre accurate radiation to brain tumours, metastases, vascular malformations, trigeminal neuralgia, vestibular schwannoma, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, and paediatric conditions. Uses Gamma Knife Icon with up to 192 focused beams, supporting both frame-based and frameless (mask-based) treatment for adults and paediatrics. Available to private insured, self-paying, and NHS-commissioned patients.
• Systemic Anti Cancer Treatment (SACT / Chemotherapy) Comprehensive cancer treatment therapies including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and biological therapies delivered in the private chemotherapy suite. Care is planned and managed by a dedicated consultant and multidisciplinary team with specialist nursing support, designed for patients who value continuity and a private treatment environment.
• Radiotherapy (IMRT, IGRT) Advanced radiotherapy service using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) for treatment of breast, lung, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancers. Each patient's treatment is individually planned by a consultant and delivered by a highly-trained therapy radiographer, with each treatment tailored to the patient's needs.
• Robot-Assisted Prostate Surgery (da Vinci) Minimally-invasive prostate cancer surgery using the da Vinci robotic system, allowing precise removal of the prostate gland through small abdominal perforations rather than large open incisions, with reduced recovery time and high-definition 3D magnified visualisation for the surgeon.
• Prostate Brachytherapy (LDR and HDR) Internal radiotherapy for prostate cancer involving placement of radioactive implants into the prostate gland, using both low-dose-rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR) techniques, often combined with external beam radiotherapy.
• Diagnostic Imaging Comprehensive diagnostic imaging services including CT, MRI, PET/CT, nuclear medicine scans, ultrasound, and X-ray for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of cancer and other conditions, with access delivered through the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust diagnostic infrastructure.
• Haematology Specialist treatment for blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, delivered by the Leeds Haematology Group including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplants.
• Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) Advanced non-invasive radiotherapy technique delivering precise, high-dose radiation over 3–8 outpatient sessions for lung metastases and selected oligometastatic cancers, with documented local tumour control rates exceeding 90%.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of patients rated Nova Healthcare as Very Good or Good for 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust / Leeds Cancer CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNova Healthcare operates within the Leeds Cancer Centre at St James's University Hospital. This partnership provides Nova access to diagnostic services (CT, PET, MRI), private inpatient beds in the Bexley Wing, and the latest radiotherapy technologies. The collaboration allows Nova to offer integrated cancer care combining private treatment with NHS infrastructure and expertise.
• Belfast Private NeurosurgeonscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNova Healthcare works with Mr Tom Flannery and the Belfast Private Neurosurgeons group (five neurosurgeons with NHS appointments at Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast). This partnership enables Northern Ireland patients to access Gamma Knife treatment in Leeds, with referrals coordinated through the Belfast-based team.
• Maggie's Centre LeedsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNova Healthcare refers patients to Maggie's Centre Leeds for emotional support, practical advice, and information about cancer treatment. The centre is located a short walk from Nova Healthcare and offers drop-in support without appointment.
• The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNova patients have access to The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at Bexley Wing, which provides free supportive therapies including Macmillan Information Centre, complementary therapies, and a relaxing garden area. No appointment needed.
• Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNova Healthcare is a member of IHPN, which represents over 200 hospitals and works closely with the Care Quality Commission to maintain high standards in independent healthcare.
• UK NHS (Department of Health / NHS England)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuring COVID-19 pandemic, independent hospitals including Nova Healthcare dedicated resources to support NHS capacity. Nova provides cancer treatments and other urgent care for NHS patients under NHS England commissioning arrangements. Nova is commissioned to treat both NHS adult and paediatric patients with Gamma Knife.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Nuffield Health: Large UK not-for-profit private hospital group providing cancer diagnostics, radiotherapy, and surgery. Overlaps with Nova on private oncology services, particularly diagnostics and surgical oncology, across a national footprint.
• Spire Healthcare: UK-listed private hospital group offering oncology, surgery, and diagnostics across 30+ sites. Comparable as a diversified private provider with cancer treatment offerings, though not specialized to Nova's radiotherapy depth.
• Circle Health Group: UK private hospital operator with oncology, radiotherapy, and surgical services across multiple sites. Comparable as a private multi-site operator serving insured and self-pay patients with cancer treatment offerings.
• HCA Healthcare UK: Large private hospital group in the UK with oncology service lines (e.g., The Christie Private Care, London Bridge) offering advanced radiotherapy and surgical oncology. A broader incumbent with overlapping specialty oncology but a much larger multi-specialty footprint.

Direct peers

• The London Clinic: Independent charitable private hospital in London offering advanced cancer treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, and robotic surgery. Comparable in offering and premium positioning, though London-based rather than Northern England.
• Rutherford Cancer Centres: UK network of private cancer centres providing proton therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and diagnostics. Operates in the same niche of advanced, technology-led private oncology that Nova serves, including NHS and self-pay patients.
• Cancer Centre London (Parkside): Private oncology clinic offering radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and diagnostics in southwest London. Comparable as a focused private cancer treatment provider, though without Nova's Gamma Knife depth.
• The Christie Private Care (part of HCA): Private oncology arm operating alongside the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, offering radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and specialist cancer surgery. Directly comparable to Nova as a co-located private/NHS cancer centre with advanced radiotherapy.
• GenesisCare UK: Large private oncology provider in the UK offering advanced radiotherapy (including SRS/SABR), chemotherapy, and diagnostics across multiple sites. Directly comparable to Nova as a private cancer treatment operator serving insured, self-pay, and NHS-commissioned patients.

Emerging players

• Proton Partners International: Operator behind Rutherford Cancer Centres, building advanced private cancer infrastructure including proton therapy. Comparable as an emerging private oncology platform investing in next-generation radiotherapy technology overlapping with Nova's Gamma Knife positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NovaHealthLeeds
• Facebookfacebook.com/novahealthcareleedsgammaknife
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nova-healthcare

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nova Healthcare