A new building at Southampton General Hospital site could be used for private treatment.
The proposed development would also provide extra space for additional NHS facilities.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), which runs the General Hospital, is looking at working with a private provider on the major project.
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A UHS spokeswoman told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The trust can confirm it is exploring the idea of developing the services it provides for private patients, as part of a purpose-built environment on the south side of the Southampton General Hospital site.
“The proposed new development, funded entirely through external non-NHS capital investment, would incorporate a private patient unit (PPU) as well as provide extra space for additional NHS facilities.
“Income generated through the development of private care provision would be reinvested directly into our hospitals, improving care for UHS patients.”
Details of the project were included in a report to the trust’s council of governors on non-NHS activity.
The report by commercial and enterprise director Peter Baker said UHS continued to support clinical staff to carry out private work in their own time but added that this had not conflicted with NHS work.
Not undertaking the private work would likely see it picked up by another private provider with the profit going to their shareholders rather than going back into the NHS, the report added.
The creation of a private unit was described as a “substantial addition” to the hospital site.
UHS is carrying out a procurement process, which is scheduled to be completed in autumn.
The trust spokeswoman said: “At the start of the procurement process, expressions of interest have been sought from private hospital operators interested in developing a partnership to build and run a new facility.
“Our priority throughout has been to ensure any partnership is focussed on supporting us to deliver on our NHS priorities, maintaining high standards of care and ensuring all patients receive timely, safe and effective treatment when they need it.
“The trust is following a rigorous tendering process to identify a preferred partner.
“Whilst the procurement process is underway, a final decision on the proposed development has yet to be made by the UHS Board.”
