Both in the provision of care homes and primary healthcare services in the community, the financial implications of external market forces loom large. Existing facilities need upgrading to meet new regulations. Capacity needs to be increased to cope with anticipated growth in demand. Staff must be qualified to meet the high regulatory standards of care now required.

In every sphere – general practice, care homes, dentistry, pharmacy, osteopathy, veterinary medicine, to name a few – capital costs are rising. Businesses that traditionally have needed only current account banking and transmission services find themselves looking at large loan transactions, remortgaging options and the need to raise capital.

What’s needed is a bank with a finger on the pulse of your business. A bank that has a real understanding of the issues and the will to deliver the right solutions for each customer. NatWest is just such a bank, with extensive commitment to and experience in the sector. We are part of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which has banking relationships with over one third of UK healthcare providers*.

*Source: pH Group January 2005, for The Royal Bank of Scotland Group