Britain’s healthcare crisis is getting worse year-on-year according to one of the UK’s largest listed specialised property groups.
Jonathan Murphy, chief executive of Altrincham-based Assura, said the crisis is boosting demand for healthcare infrastructure.
“The requirement for investment in this space has received cross-party political support, and we look forward to working with whichever party is in government following today’s election,” said Murphy in a trading update.
He added that Assura had delivered on its objectives in the first three months and “remain extremely well placed to help support the NHS and wider healthcare market”.
Assura also highlighted its recent £250 million joint venture with the university pension scheme USS.
As well as providing capital, Murphy said it will allow it to recycle capital with NHS Trusts, private hospitals, mental health and in Ireland.
At the end of June, Assura had a portfolio of 612 properties, with an annualized rent roll of £149.2 million, compared with £150.6 million three months earlier.
An initial tranche of seven assets worth £107 million has been agreed for transfer to the joint venture with USS.
Assura upped its quarterly dividend by 2.4% to 0.84p per share.
Net debt was £1.159 billion (March 2024: £1.217 billion) with cash and undrawn facilities of £293 million.