GOVERNMENT-led incentives to reduce NHS waiting lists and increase efficiency in the service helped private healthcare giant BUPA post a rise in annual revenues and profits.

The privately owned company, which specialises in insurance, hospitals and care homes, said revenues rose nine per cent to £4.25 billion in the year to December 31, while its pre-tax profits improved by 1 per cent to £359.1 million.

The group said it had continued to invest in winning NHS contracts and in August was appointed to the NHS Extended Choice Network - a service that was set up to alleviate NHS waiting lists.