Alarm as control of NHS data moves to US private equity firm

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 28, 2026

US private equity firm TPG has purchased Optum UK, the provider of the electronic patient record system used by more than half of GP practices in England, in a $400 million deal approved by the UK government. The acquisition has sparked worries about the control of sensitive NHS data by private investors and calls for stronger government safeguards to protect patient information.

A US private equity firm, TPG, has acquired Optum UK, the healthcare technology provider responsible for the electronic patient record system used by over half of GP practices in England, in a deal valued at approximately $400 million (£300 million). This transaction has raised concerns among doctors, campaigners, and lawmakers about the increasing involvement of private companies in managing sensitive National Health Service (NHS) data.

Optum UK, previously owned by UnitedHealth Group, includes EMIS, whose software handles the electronic health records of millions of NHS patients, making it one of the most significant providers of primary care technology within the English health system. The acquisition was reviewed and approved by the UK government under the National Security and Investment Act 2021.

Critics highlight the lack of public scrutiny and transparency surrounding the deal. The Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) expressed alarm that private equity firms now control core NHS infrastructure, emphasizing that the interests of investors may not align with patient care. DAUK referenced previous concerns with other US tech companies involved in NHS data and stressed the need for clear government safeguards regarding data security, particularly in light of the possibility of future resale of the asset.

Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrats’ health spokesperson, echoed these concerns, stating that the government has repeatedly allowed sensitive NHS data to be handed over to US technology firms without sufficient protections, potentially putting public services at risk. She urged the government to support British technology companies instead.

Further unease stems from TPG’s international healthcare interests. An investigation earlier this year examined hospitals in Kenya operated by Evercare, a healthcare group backed by TPG’s Rise Fund. The report alleged that some patients were burdened with crippling debt and, in certain cases, had to offer land deeds as collateral for unpaid medical bills. TPG strongly disputed these claims, citing substantial investments that have improved quality, accessibility, and patient rights within Evercare hospitals.

Anna Marriott, former health policy lead at Oxfam, warned that the deal should raise “major alarm bells,” highlighting the risks of private equity firms with controversial global healthcare records gaining access to NHS patient data without sufficient regulatory oversight. She emphasized the government’s responsibility to safeguard patient information and questioned whether current regulations adequately protect the public interest amid growing private sector involvement in the health service.

Representatives from EMIS and TPG denied any changes to the handling of patient data following the acquisition. EMIS stated its longstanding commitment to data security and patient privacy, backed by strict controls and compliance with regulatory requirements. TPG also maintained that ownership changes have not affected how data is stored or governed, affirming its commitment to upholding EMIS’s high standards in protecting patient information.

The Department of Health and Social Care did not provide a comment on the acquisition or the concerns raised.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.