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Mediclinic International
Annual Report 2017

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FY2017 Annual Report · Mediclinic International
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www.mediclinic.com

ANNUAL REPORTAND FINANCIALSTATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 March 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT PROFILE

SCOPE, BOUNDARY AND 
REPORTING CYCLE

This Annual Report and Financial Statements (“Annual 
Report”) of Mediclinic International plc (the “Company” 
or “Mediclinic”) presents the financial results, and the 
economic,  social  and  environmental  performance 
of  the  Mediclinic  Group  for  the  financial  year  ended  
31 March 2017 (the “reporting period”), and covers the 
Company’s operations in Southern Africa, Switzerland 
and the United Arab Emirates (the “Group”). 

REPORTING PRINCIPLES

The  information  in  this  Annual  Report  is  deemed  to 
be  useful  and  relevant  to  our  stakeholders,  with  due 
regard  to  our  stakeholders’  expectations  through 
continuous  engagement,  or  that  the  Board  believes 
may influence the perception or decision-making of our 
stakeholders. The information provided aims to provide 
our stakeholders with an understanding of the Group’s 
financial, social, environmental and economic impacts 
to enable them to evaluate the ability of Mediclinic to 
create and sustain value for our stakeholders. 

This  Annual  Report  was  prepared  in  accordance  with 
the  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards,  the 
LSE  Listing  Rules,  the  JSE  Listings  Requirements, 
the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code,  and  the  UK  
Companies  Act  (including  the  recently  promulgated 
Companies,  Partnerships  and  Group  (Accounts  and 
Non-Financial  Reporting)  Regulations  2016)  aimed  at 
improving  the  transparency  of  companies  regarding 
non-financial and diversity information, where relevant. 
The  Company  applied  the  majority  of  the  principles 
contained  in  the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code. 
Principles  not  applied  are  explained  in  the  Corporate 
Governance  Statement, 
in  this  Annual 
Report.  The  Company’s  reporting  on  sustainable 
development  included  in  this  report,  supplemented  
by  the  Sustainable  Development  Report    available 
on  the  Company’s  website  at  www.mediclinic.com, 
was  done  in  accordance  with  the  GRI  Sustainability 
Reporting  Standards  2016  and  the  Non-Financial 
Reporting Regulations 2016 referred to above. 

included 

AR

SDR

EXTERNAL AUDIT AND 
ASSURANCE

The  Company’s  annual  financial  statements  and  the 
Group’s consolidated annual financial statements were 
audited by the Group’s independent external auditors, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP, 
in  accordance  with 
International Standards of Auditing (UK and Ireland). 

The  Group  follows  various  other  voluntary  external 
accreditation,  certification  and  assurance  initiatives, 
complementing  the  Group’s  combined  assurance 
model, as reported on in the Risk Management section 
of this report The Group believes that this adds to the 
transparency and reliability of information reported to 
our stakeholders. 

AR

GLOSSARY

Please  refer  to  the  glossary  of  terms  used  in  this  report  on 
pages 234 to 235.

AR

G R E Y M AT T E R   &   F I N C H  # 11076

REPORT PROFILE AND CONTENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

1

CONTENTS

IFC

Report Profile

STRATEGIC REPORT

Performance Highlights 

At a Glance

Chairman’s Statement

Chief Executive Officer’s Review

Financial Review

Five-Year Summary

Investment Case

Value Added Statement

Business Model

Our Strategy, Progress and Aims

Risk Management, Principal Risks  
and Uncertainties

Clinical Services Overview

Divisional Review – Switzerland

Divisional Review – Southern Africa

Divisional Review – United Arab Emirates

Sustainable Development Highlights

GOVERNANCE AND REMUNERATION

Chairman’s Introduction

Board of Directors

Senior Management

Corporate Governance Statement

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Nomination Committee Report

Clinical Performance and Sustainability  
Committee Report

Audit and Risk Committee Report

Directors’ Report

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Contents and General Information

Group Financial Statements

Company Financial Statements

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Shareholder Information

Company Information

Glossary

Forward-looking Statements

2

5

8

11

14

19

20

21

22

24

30

37

44

47

50

54

69

70

72

73

85

108

111

114

123

129

130

131

218

231

233

234

236

FURTHER INFORMATION

This Annual Report is published as part of a set of reports, as 
listed below. The icons below are used as a cross-referencing 
tool  to  refer  to  the  relevant  pages  of  these  reports  or  within 
this Annual Report.

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

AR

CSR

SDR

AGM

Clinical Services Report 2017

Sustainable Development Report 2017

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2017

These  reports  are  available  on  the  Company’s  website  at  
www.mediclinic.com  from  the  date  of  distribution  of  this 
Annual  Report  and  the  Company’s  Notice  of  Annual  General 
Meeting by no later than 23 June 2017. 

APPROVAL OF ANNUAL REPORT

This  Annual  Report  and  Financial  Statements,  including  the 
Strategic  Report  herein,  were  approved  by  the  Disclosure 
Committee, duly authorised by the Board, on 23 May 2017.

Edwin Hertzog
Non-executive Chairman
23 May 2017

 
 
 
 
2

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

STRATEGIC REPORT
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

GROUP FINANCIAL RESULTS
•  Revenue up 30% to £2 749m; up 15% compared to pro forma FY16 revenue including Al Noor (£2 391m)
•  Underlying EBITDA up 17% to £501m; underlying EBITDA margin decreased to 18.2% from 20.4%
•  Operating profit up 26% to £362m
•  Underlying earnings per share down 19% to 29.8 pence
•  In constant currency, revenue and underlying EBITDA increased by 15% and 3% respectively
•  Cash flow conversion at 101% of underlying EBITDA
•  Total dividend of 7.90 pence per share; in line with dividend policy

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

•  Hirslanden revenue up 3% to CHF1 704m; underlying EBITDA up 5% to CHF340m;  

underlying EBITDA margin of 20.0%

•  Southern Africa revenue up 7% to ZAR14 367m; underlying EBITDA up 6% to ZAR3 049m;  

underlying EBITDA margin of 21.2%

•  Middle East revenue up 72% to AED3 109m; revenue down 8% versus pro forma for the Al Noor 
combination; underlying EBITDA down 5% to AED364m; underlying EBITDA margin of 11.7% 

UNDERLYING EBITDA (£’M)** 

250

UNDERLYING EARNINGS (£’M)** 

8
2
3 4
0
4

0
9
3

1
0
4

9
1
2

0
2
2

3
9
1

9
8
1

200

1
0
5

150

100

3
4
1

OPERATING PROFIT (£’M)*

2
4
3

5
4
3

7
0
3

8
8
2

600

500

2
6
3

400

300

200

100

0

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

50

0

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

9
4
7
2

400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

7
1
0
2

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

REVENUE (£’M)*

7
0
1
2

7
7
9
1

2
9
8
1

8
1
8
1

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

*   IFRS measure
**   Non-IFRS measure

AR

See the reconciliations between the statutory and underlying (non-IFRS) measures on pages 16 to 17.

Mediclinic Plc_AR 2017_FRONT_V7_11076_18July_SS.indd   2

2017/07/20   8:14 AM

 
 
 
 
 
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

3

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

FINANCIAL

Revenue
EBITDA1
Underlying EBITDA1

Operating profit
Earnings2
Underlying earnings1

Basic earnings per share 
Underlying basic earnings per share1
Total dividend per share3

Net debt at the year end

Capital expenditure on projects, new equipment  
and replacement of equipment

Southern Africa

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

2017

2016

2 749

2 107

509

501

362

229

220

31.0

29.8

7.90

382

428

288

177

219

29.6

36.7

7.90

1 669

1 536

249

72

127

50

186

52

98

36

%
change

30%

33%

17%

26%

29%

0%

5%

(19%)

–

9%

34%

38%

30%

39%

£'m

£'m

£'m

£'m

£'m

£'m

pence

pence

pence

£'m

£'m

£'m

£'m

£'m

Notes
1 

 The  Group  uses  underlying  income  statement  reporting  as  non-IFRS  measures  in  evaluating  performance  and  as  a 
method to provide shareholders with clear and consistent reporting. See the reconciliations between the statutory and the  
non-IFRS measures in the Financial Review on pages 16 to 17.

2  Earnings refer to profit attributable to equity holders.
3 

 The  total  dividend  per  share  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2017  in  British  pound  comprises  the  proposed  final  dividend  
of  4.70  pence  per  share  (2016:  5.24  pence)  and  the  interim  dividend  of  3.20  pence  per  share,  paid  in  December  2016  
(2016: 2.66 pence).

AR

Group results are subject to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Refer to page 15 for exchange 
rates used to convert the operating platforms’ results to pound sterling.

AR

OPERATIONAL

2017

2016

Number of hospitals in operation 

Southern Africa

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

Number of clinics in operation 

Southern Africa

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

Number of licensed/registered beds (including day facility beds)

Southern Africa

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

Number of licensed/registered theatres (including day facility theatres)

Southern Africa

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

74

52

16

6

37

2

4

31

10 486

8 095

1 677

714

400

278

97

25

73

52

16

5

45

2

4

39

10 415

8 017

1 677

721

387

270

92

25

4

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (continued)

SDR

SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER

2017

2016

Included in RobecoSAM Dow Jones Sustainability Index

Yes

Yes

Number of employees

Southern Africa

Switzerland 

United Arab Emirates

Staff turnover rate

Southern Africa

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

Training spend as approximate percentage of payroll

Southern Africa

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

Corporate social investment spend

Southern Africa*

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

Transformation (South Africa only)

Percentage black employees

Percentage black management employees 

Total energy usage (gigajoules/bed day)

Southern Africa**

Switzerland (per calendar year)

United Arab Emirates (hospitals only)**

Ranking in CDP Climate Disclosure Leadership Index  
(per calendar year)**

32 625

16 848

9 402

6 375

6.3%

7.2%

19.8%

3.2%

4.8%

0.1%

12.3

2.5

1.0

71.2%

27.7%

1.792

0.327

0.474

0.991

32 884

16 832

9 120 

6 932 

6.8% 

5.2% 

12.4% 

3.6% 

5.0%

0.3% 

11.8

2.5 

0.8 

70.5% 

25.7% 

1.652

0.333 

0.477 

0.842 

Included in
the Global
A List for
perform-
ance
(CDP 2017)

Included in
the Global
A List for
perform-
ance
(CDP 2016)

R'm

CHF'm

AED'm

Notes
* 

 The  corporate  social  investment  of  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  excludes  the  significant  financial  support  to  academic 
institutions in the amount of R9.7m (2016: R8.0m) during the year.

**   The environmental data of Mediclinic Southern Africa and Mediclinic Middle East is for the 2016 calendar year, while the 
comparative  data  is  for  the  financial  year  ended  31  March  2016.  The  environmental  data  relating  to  Hirslanden  was  also 
reported on a calendar year basis in previous reports.

AT A GLANCE

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

5

AT A GLANCE

WHO WE ARE

Mediclinic is an international private healthcare group 
founded  in  1983,  with  operations  in  Southern  Africa 
(South  Africa  and  Namibia),  Switzerland  and  the 
United  Arab  Emirates.  The  Company’s  primary  listing 
is on the LSE in the United Kingdom, with secondary 
listings  on  the  JSE  in  South  Africa  and  the  NSX  in 
Namibia.  The  Group’s  registered  office  is  in  London, 
United Kingdom. Mediclinic also holds a 29.9% interest 
in  Spire  Healthcare  Group  plc,  a  LSE-listed  private 
healthcare group based in the United Kingdom.

operations  mainly  in  Abu  Dhabi  in  the  United  Arab 
Emirates,  and  Mediclinic  International  Limited  was 
completed.  Mediclinic  International  Limited  was  a 
South  African-based  international  private  healthcare 
group founded in 1983 and listed on the JSE, the South 
African  stock  exchange,  since  1986,  with  operations 
in  South  Africa,  Namibia,  Switzerland  and  the  United 
Arab  Emirates  (mainly  in  Dubai).  The  combination 
resulted in the renaming of the Company to Mediclinic 
International plc.

Mediclinic is focused on providing acute care, specialist-
orientated,  multi-disciplinary  healthcare  services.  Our 
core  purpose  is  to  enhance  the  quality  of  life  of  our 
patients  by  providing  comprehensive,  high-quality 
healthcare services in such a way that the Group will be 
regarded as the most respected and trusted provider 
of healthcare services by patients, doctors and funders 
of healthcare in each of its markets. 

During February 2016, the Combination of the Company 
(previously  named  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc),  with 

At  year  end, 
the  Mediclinic  Group  comprised  
74 hospitals and 37 clinics. Mediclinic Southern Africa 
operates 49 hospitals and two day clinics throughout 
South  Africa  and  three  hospitals  in  Namibia  with 
more  than  8  000  inpatient  beds  in  total;  Hirslanden 
operates 16 private acute care facilities and four clinics 
in  Switzerland  with  more  than  1  600  inpatient  beds; 
and  Mediclinic  Middle  East  operates  six  hospitals  and  
31  clinics  with  more  than  700  inpatient  beds  in  the 
United Arab Emirates. 

DISTRIBUTION OF THE GROUP’S  
HOSPITALS

6

DISTRIBUTION OF THE GROUP’S  
BEDS

714

DISTRIBUTION OF THE GROUP’S 
EMPLOYEES

16

22%
16

22%

8%
6

8%

74 
HOSPITALS

52

70%
52

70%

1 677

16%
1 677

16%

8 095

77%
8 095

77%

7%
714

7%

10 486 
BEDS

6 375

19%
6 375

19%

16 848

52%
16 848

52%

32 625 
EMPLOYEES

29%

9 402
29%

9 402

CONTRIBUTION TO GROUP  
UNDERLYING REVENUE (£’M) 

648

780

28%
780

28%

TOTAL
£2 749m

24%
648

24%

48%

1 321
48%

1 321

76

15%
76

15%

53%

264
53%

264

CONTRIBUTION TO GROUP 
UNDERLYING EBITDA (£’M) 

-4

CONTRIBUTION TO GROUP  
UNDERLYING EARNINGS (£’M) 

-13

12

-1%
-4

-1%

165

33%
165

33%

-6%
-13

-6%

67

30%
67

30%

6%
12

6%

32

15%
32

15%

TOTAL
£501m

TOTAL
£220m

55%

122
55%

122

Southern Africa

Switzerland

UAE

UK

Corporate

 
 
 
 
 
 
6

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

AT A GLANCE

HOLDING COMPANY: MEDICLINIC INTERNATIONAL PLC

OPERATING PLATFORMS

MEDICLINIC  
SOUTHERN AFRICA

HIRSLANDEN

MEDICLINIC  
MIDDLE EAST

South Africa and Namibia

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

COUNTRIES 
OF 
OPERATION 

BRANDS

WEBSITES

HOSPITALS 
AND 
CLINICS IN 
OPERATION

www.mediclinic.co.za
www.mhr.co.za
www.medicalinnovations.co.za
www.er24.co.za

Operates 49 acute care private 
hospitals and two day clinics 
throughout South Africa and 
three hospitals in Namibia, with 
8 095 beds in total. ER24 offers 
emergency transportation services 
from its 58 branches throughout 
South Africa.

www.hirslanden.ch

www.mediclinic.ae
www.alnoorhospital.com

Operates 16 acute care private 
hospitals with 1 677 beds and 
four clinics in Switzerland.

Mediclinic Middle East operates 
six acute care private hospitals 
and 31 clinics mainly in Abu 
Dhabi and Dubai, UAE with  
714 beds in total. 

NUMBER OF 
EMPLOYEES

16 848 (20 349 full-time 
equivalents, which includes  
3 501 agency staff) 

9 402 permanent employees 
(which includes full-time and 
part-time permanent employees) 

6 375 full-time employees/ 
full-time equivalents

(16 347 permanent and  
501 non-permanent)

(6 722 full-time equivalents)

NATURE OF 
OWNERSHIP

Mediclinic Southern Africa (Pty) 
Ltd, a company registered in South 
Africa, is the holding company of 
the Group’s operating platform in 
Southern Africa. It is 100% owned 
through wholly-owned subsidiaries 
(with most group operating 
companies partly owned and 
doctor shareholding in hospital 
investment companies).

Hirslanden AG, a company 
registered in Switzerland, is 
the holding company of the 
Group’s operating platform 
in Switzerland. It is 100% 
owned through wholly-owned 
subsidiaries.

The holding company for the 
Mediclinic Middle East operations 
is Emirates Healthcare Holdings 
Ltd, a company registered in the 
British Virgin Islands, which is 
100% owned through wholly-
owned subsidiaries.

The holding companies for the 
Al Noor operations are Al Noor 
Holdings Cayman Limited and 
ANMC Management Limited. 
These companies are registered 
in the Cayman Islands, which are 
100% owned by the Company. 

AT A GLANCE

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

7

UNITED KINGDOM

29.9% INVESTMENT IN 
SPIRE HEALTHCARE

UNITED ARAB 
EMIRATES

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 
OUR UAE OPERATIONS 
ON PAGE 50

AR

SWITZERLAND

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR 
SWISS OPERATIONS ON PAGE 44

AR

SOUTHERN AFRICA

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 
OUR SOUTHERN AFRICAN 
OPERATIONS ON PAGE 47

AR

8

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Last  year  I  reported  on  the  consistent  growth  of 
Mediclinic  over  the  past  30  years,  for  which  we  are 
thankful. However, for the past financial period, the first 
full year following the Company’s listing on the London 
Stock  Exchange,  the  Group  was  unable  to  deliver  its 
consistent  growth  in  underlying  earnings  per  share 
achieved  in  the  past,  largely  due  to  challenges  in  our 
Middle East platform.

Our expansion into Abu Dhabi, effectively doubling the 
size of the Middle East business following the Al Noor 
Combination,  has  not  met  our  original  expectations. 
Our  growth  forecasts  for  the  Abu  Dhabi  operations 
were  significantly  impacted  in  the  short  term  due  to 
unforeseen changes in the regulatory environment and 
a  greater  need  to  align  Al  Noor  with  the  sustainable 
business  and  operational  practices  of  the  Mediclinic 
Group.  As  a  result,  revenue  and  underlying  EBITDA 
margins during the year were lower than expected in 
the Middle East. Despite the challenges in Abu Dhabi, 
our established Dubai operations continued to perform 
well.  The  new  Mediclinic  City  Hospital  North  Wing 
opened  in  the  third  quarter  of  the  year  and  patient 
volumes have been encouraging. I remain confident in 
our approach to expansion in the region, and that it will 
deliver  the  required  longer-term  growth  and  returns 
for the Group.

In  Switzerland  and  Southern  Africa,  our  largest  two 
operating  platforms,  we  have  seen  good  trading 
performances  this  year.  The  key  metrics  of  patient 
admissions,  theatre  hours  sold  and  revenue  per  bed 
day have all been positive. As I have stated before, this 
indicates  positive  trends  in  patient  choice  and  shows 
that we are attracting and retaining sufficient doctors 
to  support  the  business.  This  enables  us  to  continue 
to  focus  on  enhancing  operational  efficiencies.  In  the 
UK, our 29.9% investment in Spire Healthcare remained 
stable  and  continues  to  give  us  exposure  to  the  UK 
private healthcare market. 

Overall, the Group remains in a solid financial position. 
Group  revenue  for  the  year  was  up  30%  at  £2  749m 
(2016:  £2  107m)  and  underlying  EBITDA  was  up  17% 
at  £501m  (2016:  £428m),  both  benefiting  from  the 
translation  effect  of  weaker  Sterling  and  the  addition 
of  the  Al  Noor  business  to  the  Group.  However, 
underlying earnings were flat at £220m (2016: £219m) 
while underlying earnings per share were down 19% at 
29.8  pence  (2016:  36.7  pence),  both  affected  by  the 
increase  in  finance  costs  and  poor  performance  of  

Dr Edwin Hertzog 
Non-executive Chairman

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

9

“I firmly believe that we have the  
right strategy and people in place  
to enable us to consistently grow  
in the future as we have done over  
so many years.”

the  Abu  Dhabi  business.  Earnings  per  share  were 
further  impacted  by  the  effect  of  additional  shares 
issued for the Spire and Al Noor transactions.

In view of the financial results and following the review 
last  year  of  the  Group’s  dividend  policy  to  target  a  
pay-out  ratio  of  25%  to  30%  of  underlying  earnings, 
the Board recommended a final dividend of 4.70 pence  
per  share,  bringing  the  total  payment  for  the  year  to 
7.90 pence per share.

indicators 

During the year under review, the clinical performance 
of  the  business  was  satisfactory  across  all  operating 
platforms,  and  most  patient  safety  and  clinical 
effectiveness 
improvement. 
In  addition,  many  initiatives  in  support  of  clinical 
performance and quality improvement were launched 
and completed during the year. Highlights include:
•  the strengthening of clinical services leadership  
at hospital and corporate level in Mediclinic 
Southern Africa; 

showed 

•  close collaboration between Mediclinic Southern 

Africa and supporting doctors in certain disciplines; 
•  the launch of patient reported outcomes after large 

joint surgery in Hirslanden; 

•  progress on the implementation of an integrated 

care model in Hirslanden; 

•  the establishment of a comprehensive cancer 

centre in Mediclinic Middle East; and 

•  the selection of a new electronic health record 

system in Mediclinic Middle East. 

Much  of  the  progress  can  be  attributed  to  a  strong 
collaborative effort between the clinical services teams 
of the respective platforms. 

REGULATORY LANDSCAPE 

The  healthcare 
industry  has  always  been  highly 
regulated  with  continuous  changes.  We  have  always 
managed this successfully, thanks to the well-informed 
and responsible leadership of our management teams. 
However,  this  year  has  been  particularly  tough  in  all 
three of our operating platforms. 

In  Switzerland,  there  was  the  proposed  levy  in  the 
Canton of Zurich, which the Cantonal Parliament voted 
not  to  approve  in  March  2017.  National  outpatient 
tariffs  (TARMED)  remain  under  revision  and  the 
Federal  Government  has  proposed  adjustments  as 

a  transitional  solution  until  the  healthcare  providers 
and  funders  agree  on  a  revised  tariff  structure.  The 
Federal  Government  is  also  preparing  a  framework 
for the outmigration of services (shift of basic medical 
treatments from the inpatient to the outpatient sector) 
across Switzerland.

In  Southern  Africa,  we  continue  to  engage  with  the 
South  African  Competition  Commission  in  relation 
to  the  Health  Market  Inquiry  which  is  undertaking  a 
review of the private healthcare sector to understand 
whether there are features of the sector that prevent, 
distort or restrict competition, and how competition in 
the sector can be promoted. Over the longer term, the 
government  in  South  Africa  is  hoping  to  address  the 
shortcomings of the public healthcare system through 
the phased introduction of a National Health Insurance 
system over a 14-year period. 

Finally,  in  the  Middle  East,  we  saw  the  introduction 
in July 2016 of a 20% co-payment for Thiqa patients 
for  UAE 
(those  covered  by  health 
Nationals  or  others  of  similar  status  in  Abu  Dhabi) 
using private facilities. This had a material impact on 
patient volumes and the financial performance of the 
business in Abu Dhabi. In April 2017, the co-payment 
in Abu Dhabi was waived with immediate effect.

insurance 

BOARD ACTIVITY AND CHANGES 

Following the Mediclinic and Al Noor Combination and 
the  Group’s  listing  on  the  London  Stock  Exchange  in 
2016, I last year reported a number of Board changes. 
I  am  pleased  to  say  that  the  new  Board  structure 
operated efficiently throughout the year. We continue 
to  look  at  how  to  improve  the  composition  and 
functioning of the Board.

In April 2016, Jannie Durand, a Non-executive Director 
of  the  Company  and  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of 
Remgro  Limited,  our  major  shareholder,  appointed 
Pieter  Uys  as  his  alternate.  Since  2013,  Pieter  has 
held  the  position  of  Head  of  Strategic  Investment  at  
Remgro Limited. 

Jurgens  Myburgh  was  appointed  as  the  CFO  of  the 
Group  on  1  August  2016,  replacing  Craig  Tingle,  who 
retired as announced in 2016. Prior to joining Mediclinic, 
Jurgens served as CFO at Datatec from June 2014, and 
before  that  at  The  Standard  Bank  of  South  Africa  as 
Executive Vice President of Investment Banking, where 

10

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

he was involved in several major Mediclinic corporate 
transactions.  Since  joining  the  Board,  Jurgens  has 
made  a  number  of  significant  contributions  to  the 
business.

On 21 February 2017, Ian Tyler, the Company’s Senior 
Independent  Director,  resigned  as  a  Director  of  the 
Company. Ian was previously Chairman of Al Noor, and 
we were delighted that he agreed to continue on the 
Board  following  the  Combination  in  February  2016. 
However, Ian is a Board member of several LSE-listed 
companies and believed that it would be in the best 
interest  of  all  parties  to  reduce  his  responsibilities.  
I would like to thank Ian for his important contribution 
to  the  Board  during  a  very  busy  year  for  him.  
Desmond  Smith  was  appointed  as  the  new  Senior 
Independent  Director.  He  was  appointed  an 
Independent  Non-executive  Director  of  Mediclinic 
International  Limited  in  2008  and  was  the  Lead 
Independent  Director  from  2010  until  the  Al  Noor 
Combination took place.

PROSPECTS 

This  year  has  highlighted,  once  again,  the  continued 
challenges and changing regulatory landscape in which 
we  operate.  Competition  from  the  public  and  private 
sector  means  we  must  focus  on  continually  improving  
the  quality  of  our  services  while  demonstrating  value  
in the healthcare services we provide to patients, funders 
and  governments  alike.  Despite  these  challenges,  we 
operate in an industry where demand continues to grow 
for our services. The Board remains focused on creating  
long-term  value  for  stakeholders  and  maintaining 
Mediclinic’s 
international 
healthcare market. 

leading  position 

the 

in 

Having  the  services  available  of  high-quality  clinical, 
operational  and  support  staff 
is  crucial  to  the  
long-term  success  of  the  business.  Furthermore,  by  
indicators  and  gathering 
closely  monitoring  key 
information,  we  continue  to  position  the  Group  for 
sensible future growth. 

Mediclinic  has  been  providing  private  healthcare 
services  since  1983,  and  we  have  always  taken  a  
long-term  view  when  we  make  investment  decisions. 
The  fundamentals  of  the  healthcare  industry  remain 
positive,  and  I  firmly  believe  that  we  have  the  right 
people and strategy in place to enable us to consistently 
grow in the future as we have done over so many years. 

APPRECIATING YOUR CONTINUED 
SUPPORT 

As  ever,  I  want  to  express  my  sincere  thanks  to 
everyone  who  contributed  to  Mediclinic’s  continued 
success, including our Directors, management, doctors, 
nurses  and  support  staff.  In  particular,  the  support  of 
patients  and  medical  professionals  is  absolutely  vital 
to  the  sustainability  of  our  business,  and  we  deeply 
appreciate  that  they  have  chosen  Mediclinic  as  their 
preferred healthcare partner.

Finally, I would like to extend a special thank you to all 
our shareholders for their confidence in us.

Dr Edwin Hertzog 
Non-executive Chairman

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

11

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW

DURING A CHALLENGING YEAR, 
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE KEY 
HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOU?

Having  been  with  the  Group  for  some  30  years,  it  is 
fair  to  say  that  this  past  year  was  one  of  the  most 
challenging. Despite the difficult trading environment, 
a  key  highlight  was  the  Swiss,  Southern  African  and 
Dubai  businesses  all  performing  relatively  well.  We 
continue to see growing demand for quality healthcare 
services, which is why we place such an emphasis on 
our Patients First strategy and continue to invest in our 
facilities and people. This will assist us to maintain our 
leading  position  in  all  our  international  markets.  The 
key challenge globally is to keep healthcare affordable 
and to demonstrate cost-efficient service delivery. 

in  the  region. 

Whilst  the  Middle  East  platform  performed  below 
expectations  during  the  year,  largely  resulting  from 
issues  with  the  Al  Noor  business  in  Abu  Dhabi,  
In  
there  were  several  highlights 
September  2016,  we  opened  the  new  comprehensive 
cancer unit, based in the North Wing of the Mediclinic 
City  Hospital,  which  has  performed  very  well.  When 
I  look  at  the  new  services  not  previously  offered  by 
Mediclinic  Middle  East,  the  number  of  lives  we  are 
changing through our new radiotherapy and PET scan 
services each month is encouraging. In April 2017, the unit 
treated the first cancer patient with a revolutionary form 
of radiotherapy called stereotactic body radiotherapy. 
This was delivered using Mediclinic’s True Beam Varian 
linear accelerator, the only one of its kind in the UAE.  
In  Al  Ain,  the  Mediclinic  Al  Jowhara  Hospital  had  its 
first  full  month  of  trading  in  January  2017  and  is 
ramping  up.  It  is  well  positioned  to  serve  the  higher 
end of the market in the region. I believe the rebranding  
of  the  Al  Noor  business  to  Mediclinic  is  an  important 
milestone  and  underlines  our  commitment  to  deliver 
exceptional  levels  of  private  healthcare  service  in  the 
region.  Rebranding  and  marketing  work  commenced 
and will continue through the year ahead. I am pleased 
that the co-payment that was introduced in Abu Dhabi 
in  July  2016  was  waived  with  immediate  effect  on  
26 April 2017 following our ongoing dialogue with the 
relevant stakeholders in the region.

Danie Meintjes 
Chief Executive Officer

12

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW

“We are determined to meet  
and exceed the expectations  
of our patients in every market  
we operate.”

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE 
REGULATORY MATTERS  
PLAYED SUCH A PROMINENT 
ROLE THIS YEAR?

is  a  basic  human  right.  
Access  to  healthcare 
It 
is  therefore  understandable  that  governments 
will  have  an  interest  in  their  particular  healthcare 
system  to  ensure  that  it  is  efficient,  accessible  and 
fair  to  its  citizens.  Healthcare  delivery  models  vary 
widely  between  countries  with  different  degrees 
of  participation  by  the  private  healthcare  sector.  
However, the cost of delivering healthcare around the 
world  is  increasing.  The  reality  is  that  this  is  largely 
driven  by  increased  consumption  from  an  ageing 
and  growing  disease-burdened  population,  and  
new technology.

joint 

responsibility,  working  with 
We  have  a 
governments, funders and patients, to offer affordable 
and  cost-efficient  services  to  ensure  the  long-term 
sustainability  of  healthcare  provision  in  the  countries 
in  which  we  operate.  The  private  sector  can  make 
a  meaningful,  cost-efficient  contribution  towards 
healthcare delivery. We believe that governments and 
the private healthcare sector should constructively co-
operate to find a dual system of care delivery which is 
in the best interest of the broader community.

In  Switzerland,  as  the  Federal  Government  and 
cantons  reviewed  their  budgets  and  expenditure  on 
healthcare, we saw several regulatory announcements 
during  the  year.  Firstly,  the  Canton  of  Zurich  in  mid-
2016  proposed  a  levy  based  on  the  proportion  of 
privately  insured  patients  treated  in  listed  hospitals. 
The  Hirslanden  management 
team  committed 
significant  time  and  resources  to  engaging  with  the 
relevant public authorities to raise concerns regarding 
the process, fairness and the impact of the proposed 
levy  specifically  on  Klinik  Hirslanden.  I  am  pleased  to 
report  that  in  March  2017  the  Cantonal  Parliament 
voted  not  to  approve  the  proposed  levy.  Secondly, 
there  have  been  ongoing  national  outpatient  tariff 
(TARMED) negotiations between healthcare providers 
and  funders.  The  Swiss  Federal  Government  released 
proposed  adjustments  to  TARMED,  as  a  transitional 
solution while negotiations continue to find agreement 
on  a  revised  tariff  structure.  And  finally,  the  Zurich 
Cantonal  Parliament  approved  an  amendment  to  the 
cantonal hospital law, providing a legal basis to create 
a  list  of  interventions  that  in  future  should  generally 
be treated as outpatient rather than inpatient services. 
Continued dialogue and engagement with the relevant 
public authorities remains key to ensuring that private 
healthcare  plays  a  meaningful  role  in  the  broader 
healthcare delivery system. 

In South Africa, the cost of private healthcare is being 
examined by the Competition Commission through the 
Health Market Inquiry (“HMI”). Towards the end of 2016, 
the HMI published a timetable reflecting the proposed 
events  for  2017.  We  will  continue  to  engage  with  the 
HMI as we progress towards the publication of the final 
reports  which  they  have  indicated  will  be  by  the  end 
of 2017. 

As  I  mentioned  previously,  from  1  July  2016,  the  Abu 
Dhabi  authorities  introduced  a  20%  co-payment  for 
Emiratis  who  are  members  of  the  Thiqa  insurance 
option,  when  they  make  use  of  private  healthcare 
providers. This had a material impact on our Abu Dhabi 
business, affecting the volume of Thiqa patients visiting 
our  facilities.  We  are  focused  on  growing  our  patient 
numbers  from  the  Thiqa  and  enhanced  insurance 
market. This strategy is supported by the new business 
and  operational  practices,  the  ongoing  upgrade  and 
investment  programmes  across  our  facilities,  and  the 
rebranding of the business to Mediclinic. The waiving of 
the co-payment in Abu Dhabi from late April 2017 will 
help  to  support  our  anticipated  gradual  improvement 
in  Middle  East  performance  as  we  move  through  the 
coming financial year.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF 
MEDICLINIC BEING A GLOBAL 
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?

We  have  built  a  diversified  portfolio  of  operating 
platforms  in  Switzerland,  Southern  Africa,  and  the 
Middle East and in the UK we have our 29.9% investment 
in  Spire  Healthcare.  Combined  with  our  strong 
market  position  in  our  operating  regions,  Mediclinic  
benefits  from  a  pool  of  skilled,  knowledgeable  and 
experienced employees.

Group initiatives to simplify, standardise and centralise 
key  business  support  processes  are  ongoing.  Using 
our  international  scale,  we  are  beginning  to  deliver 
meaningful synergies and cost savings. During the year, 
our central procurement function and ICT department 
made  excellent  progress 
in  some  key  contract 
negotiations that will benefit the future profitability of 
the Group.

Although  clinical  models  differ  from  country  to 
country,  the  basic  principles  are  similar,  and  it  is 
useful  to  compare  and  share  clinical  experience 
and  learnings  among  our  operating  platforms.  The 
breadth  of  intellectual  property  across  the  Group  is 
vast. We strive to nurture the combined knowledge, 
skills  and  experience  from  our  diverse  group  of 
people  to  improve  the  Group’s  clinical  performance 
and growth opportunities. 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

13

It is vital that we share best practice at an international 
level,  as  this  will  ensure  we  continue  to  deliver  
high-quality, cost-efficient services to our patients. The 
comprehensive  cancer  centre  in  Dubai  is  an  example 
of  how  we  tapped  into  the  clinical  experience  and 
knowledge  of  the  Hirslanden  team  in  Switzerland  to 
assist  with  the  design,  building  and  opening  of  our 
first  comprehensive  cancer  centre  in  the  Middle  East. 
Having access to such valuable sources of knowledge 
and skills lowers the risk of venturing into new complex 
clinical service lines. 

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES 
AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE 
YEAR AHEAD AND BEYOND?

Our  Group  focus  on  Patients  First  will  continue  to 
be  our  top  priority.  We  are  determined  to  meet 
and  exceed  the  expectations  of  our  patients  in 
every  market  in  which  we  operate.  To  assist  us  
in identifying areas for improvement, we implemented 
a  standardised  international  Patient  Experience  Index 
(“PEI”) measurement system, provided by Press Ganey. 
The  PEI  system  is  well  embedded  in  our  Southern 
Africa  and  Dubai  businesses,  and  is  being  rolled  out 
in  the  Hirslanden  and  Abu  Dhabi  businesses,  the 
results  of  which  are  referenced  to  in  the  Sustainable 
Development  Highlights  on  page  57.  We  continue 
to  focus  on  providing  superior  clinical  performance 
in  a  safe  clinical  environment  while  moving  towards  
a better integrated healthcare delivery model.

As  I  have  mentioned,  the  acquisition  of  the  Al  Noor 
business  in  Abu  Dhabi  has  proved  to  be  challenging. 
While significant progress has been made, we continue 
to  focus  on  resolving  these  matters  and  stabilising 
performance; this will remain a priority. Our confidence 
in  the  long-term  growth  opportunities  of  the  Middle 
East region remains strong, and we expect performance 

AR

to improve gradually as we progress through the year 
ahead. A key focus is to establish the Mediclinic brand 
as a trusted and preferred provider of clinical services 
to the Abu Dhabi community.

is  the  continued 

Another  priority 
improvement 
in  operational  efficiencies,  using  our  combined 
international  intellectual  property.  We  will  continue 
to focus on finding ways to simplify our business and 
to  standardise  processes  and  structures.  This  will 
allow us to use our scale to unlock further synergies 
in  areas  such  as  procurement, 
information  and 
communications  technology,  clinical  services,  human 
resources and marketing.

Finally,  we  will  look  to  grow  the  Group  at  existing 
platform  levels  by  attracting  more  patients,  adding 
further  capacity  to  existing  facilities,  adding  new 
service  lines,  and  identifying  bolt-on  acquisition 
opportunities.  In  addition,  we  will  evaluate  potential 
new  opportunities  for  further  valued  added  growth. 
In  the  Middle  East,  the  building  of  the  Mediclinic 
Parkview  Hospital  in  Dubai  with  some  170  beds  has 
commenced.  We  approved  the  development  of  a 
comprehensive  cancer  unit  at  the  Mediclinic  Airport 
Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi, where work is expected 
to start soon. 

I  would  like  to  thank  all  the  doctors,  nurses,  support 
staff  and  management  for  their  dedication  and 
commitment  to  the  Group  and  what  we  stand  for.  
I am confident that the year ahead will be successful.

Danie Meintjes
Chief Executive Officer

14

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

UNDERLYING NON-IFRS 
FINANCIAL MEASURES

The Group uses underlying income statement reporting 
as non-IFRS measures in evaluating performance and 
as  a  method  to  provide  shareholders  with  clear  and 
consistent  reporting.  The  underlying  measures  are 
intended  to  remove  volatility  associated  with  certain 
types  of  one-off  income  and  charges  from  reported 
earnings.  Historically  EBITDA  and  underlying  EBITDA 
were  disclosed  as  supplemental  non-IFRS  financial 
performance  measures  because  they  are  regarded 
as  useful  metrics  to  analyse  the  performance  of 
the  business  from  period  to  period.  Measures  like 
underlying EBITDA are used by analysts and investors 
in assessing performance. 

The rationale for using non-IFRS measures:
•  it tracks the underlying operational performance 
of the Group and its operating segments by 
separating out one-off and exceptional items;
•  non-IFRS measures are used by management 
for budgeting, planning and monthly financial 
reporting; and

•  non-IFRS measures are used by management in 
presentations and discussions with investment 
analysts.

The Group’s policy is to adjust, inter alia, the following 
types of income and charges from the reported IFRS 
measures to present underlying results:
•  restructuring costs;
•  profit/loss on sale of significant assets;
•  past service cost charges/credits in relation  
to pension fund conversion rate changes;

•  significant prior year tax and deferred  

tax adjustments;

•  accelerated IFRS 2 charges;
•  accelerated amortisation charges;
•  mark-to-market fair value gains/losses, relating  

to ineffective interest rate swaps;
•  significant impairment charges; 
•  significant insurance proceeds; and
•  significant transaction costs incurred during 

acquisitions.

EBITDA 
is  defined  as  operating  profit  before 
depreciation  and  amortisation,  excluding  other  gains 
and losses.

Non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered 
in  isolation  from,  or  as  a  substitute  for,  financial 
information  presented  in  compliance  with  IFRS.  The 
underlying  measures  used  by  the  Group  are  not 
necessarily  comparable  with  those  used  by  other 
entities.

The  Group  has  consistently  applied  this  definition 
of  underlying  measures  as  it  has  reported  on  its 
financial  performance  in  the  past  as  the  Directors 
believe  this  additional  information  is  important  to 
allow  shareholders  to  better  understand  the  Group’s 
trading performance for the reporting period. It is the 
Group’s intention to continue to consistently apply this 
definition in the future.

Jurgens Myburgh 
Chief Financial Officer

FINANCIAL REVIEW

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

15

GROUP FINANCIAL 
PERFORMANCE

Group  revenue 
(2016: £2 107m) for the reporting period. 

increased  by  30%  to  £2  749m  

Underlying  operating  profit  before 
interest,  tax, 
depreciation and amortisation (“underlying EBITDA”) 
was  17%  higher  at  £501m  (2016:  £428m),  underlying 
margins  declined  from  20.4%  to  18.2%,  and  basic 
underlying  earnings  per  share  were  19%  lower  at  
29.8 pence (2016: 36.7 pence). 

During the reporting period, the following exceptional 
and  one-off  items  were  adjusted  for  in  determining 
underlying earnings:
•  £13m (£10m after tax) mark-to-market fair value 
gain, relating to the ineffective Swiss interest 
rate swaps. The Group uses floating-to-fixed 
interest rate swaps on certain loan agreements 
to hedge against interest movements which have 
the economic effect of converting floating rate 
borrowings to fixed rate borrowings. The Group 
applies hedge accounting and therefore fair value 
adjustments are booked to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income.

 With the removal of the Swiss franc/euro peg 
during January 2015 and the advent of negative 
interest rates in Switzerland, the Swiss interest 
rate hedges became ineffective once Libor 
moved below zero as bank funding at Libor plus 
relevant margins is subject to a zero rate Libor 
floor. Effective from 1 October 2014, the mark-to-
market movements are charged to the income 
statement. As these are non-cash flow items and 
to provide balanced operational reporting, the 
Group excluded the charge in the measurement of 
underlying performance in the 2015 financial year 
and consistently excludes the gain arising this year. 
The swaps expire in 2017 and 2018.

•  A past-service cost credit of £13m (£10m after tax) 
arising in the main Hirslanden pension fund. This 
relates to a change in the pension fund conversion 
rate advised by an independent professional. The 
underlying income statement has been adjusted 
as the credit is not related to the current year 
underlying performance of the Swiss hospital 
operations. 

•  Accelerated amortisation of £7m relating to the  

Al Noor trade name.

•  Restructuring costs of £5m relating to the 

integration of the Al Noor operations. Consistent 
with last year’s treatment, the underlying income 
statement has been adjusted for these costs 
following the combination in 2016. Currently, no 
further restructuring costs associated with this 
transaction are expected to be adjusted beyond  
31 March 2017.

•  £1m gain on the mark-to-market of a put option. 

SPIRE HEALTHCARE GROUP

Mediclinic  has  a  29.9%  investment  in  Spire.  The 
investment  in  Spire  is  accounted  for  on  an  equity 
basis recognising the reported profit of £53.6m for the  
12  months  to  31  December  2016  (“Spire’s  FY16”). 

The  equity  accounted  share  of  profit  from  Spire 
recognised  by  Mediclinic  during  the  period  under 
review  was  £12m  (2016:  £6m)  after  adjusting  for 
the  amortisation  of  intangible  assets  recognised  in  
the notional purchase price allocation for the Group’s 
acquisition of its equity investment.

Spire’s  FY16  saw  solid  growth  with  adjusted  revenue 
up  5.8%,  adjusted  EBITDA  up  5.4%  and  comparable 
EPS  (excluding  exceptionals  and  tax  one-offs)  up 
4.9%.  Total  patient  admissions  grew  2.3%  driven  by 
self-pay  and  NHS  volume  growth.  After  adjusting  for 
St Anthony’s and prior year disposals, Spire’s adjusted 
EBITDA margin remained stable at 18.2%, while EBITDA 
conversion  to  operating  cash  flow  increased  to  115% 
before exceptional items and tax.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

Although the Group reports its results in British pound, 
the  operating  segments  profits  are  generated  in 
Swiss  franc,  UAE  dirham  and  the  South  African  rand. 
Consequently,  movement  in  exchange  rates  affected 
the  reported  earnings  and  reported  balances  in  the 
statement of financial position. 

Foreign exchange rate sensitivity:
•  The impact of a 10% change in the GBP/CHF 

exchange rate for a sustained period of one year 
is that profit for the year would increase/decrease 
by £14m (2016: increase/decrease by £11m) due to 
exposure to the GBP/CHF exchange rate.
•  The impact of a 10% change in the GBP/ZAR 

exchange rate for a sustained period of one year 
is that profit for the year would increase/decrease 
by £8m (2016: increase/decrease by £7m) due to 
exposure to the GBP/ZAR exchange rate.
•  The impact of a 10% change in the GBP/AED 

exchange rate for a sustained period of one year 
is that profit for the year would increase/decrease 
by £2m (2016: increase/decrease by £6m) due to 
exposure to the GBP/AED exchange rate.

During  the  period  under  review,  the  average  and 
closing exchange rates were the following:

2017

2016

Variance
%

1.29
4.80
18.41

1.25
4.59
16.74

1.47
5.54
20.73

1.38
5.28
21.21

(12%)
(13%)
(11%)

(9%)
(13%)
(21%)

Average rates:
GBP/CHF
GBP/AED
GBP/ZAR

Period end rates:
GBP/CHF
GBP/AED
GBP/ZAR

CASH FLOW

The  Group  continued  to  deliver  strong  cash  flow 
converting  101%  (2016:  96%)  of  underlying  EBITDA 
into  cash  generated  from  operations.  Cash  and  cash 
equivalents increased from £305m to £361m. 

 
16

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

INTEREST-BEARING 
BORROWINGS

Interest-bearing  borrowings  increased  from  £1  841m 
at  31  March  2016  to  £2  030m  at  31  March  2017.  This 
increase  is  mainly  as  a  result  of  the  change  in  the 
closing  exchange  rates,  offset  by  a  loan  amortisation 
payment.  During  the  reporting  period,  the  bridge 
facility  was  repaid  using  additional  financing  facilities 
in South Africa and the Middle East. 

Interest-bearing
Less: cash and  
cash equivalents
Net debt
Total equity
Debt-to-equity  
capital ratio

2017
£’m
2 030

(361)
1 669
4 164

2016
£’m
1 841

(305)
1 536
3 570

0.4

0.4

ASSETS

Property,  equipment  and  vehicles  increased  from  
£3 199m at 31 March 2016 to £3 703m at 31 March 2017. 
This increase is mainly as a result of additions as well as 
the change in closing exchange rates.

Intangible  assets 
from  £1  941m  at  
31  March  2016  to  £2  156m  mainly  because  of  the  
change in closing exchange rates.

increased 

INCOME TAX

The  Group’s  effective  tax  rate  decreased  from  22.4% 
in  the  prior  year  to  20.8%  for  period  under  review 
predominantly due to the following:
•  the tax rate decreased by 4.2% in respect of prior 
year one-off non-deductible expenses which were 
not incurred in the period under review. This was 
related to Al Noor transaction costs as well as an 
accelerated IFRS 2 charge; and

•  the tax rate increased by 3.0% due to a reduced 

contribution by Middle East to earnings.

EARNINGS RECONCILIATIONS

2017 STATUTORY RESULTS

Total
£’m

Switzerland
£’m

Southern
 Africa
£’m

Middle
East
£’m

United
Kingdom
£’m

Corporate
£’m

Revenue
Operating profit
Profit attributable to  
equity holders*

RECONCILIATIONS

Operating profit
Add back:
– Other gains and losses
– Depreciation and  

amortisation

EBITDA

One–off and  
exceptional items:
Past service cost credit
Restructuring costs
Underlying EBITDA

Profit attributable to  
equity holders*
One-off and  
exceptional items:
Past service cost credit
Restructuring costs
Fair value gains on  
ineffective cash  
flow hedges
Other gains and losses
Accelerated amortisation
Tax on one–off and 
exceptional items
Underlying earnings
Weighted average number 
of shares (millions)
Underlying earnings per 
share (pence)

2 749
362

229

1 321
201

141

362

2

145
509

(13)
5
501

201

–

76
277

(13)
–
264

780
140

67

140

–

25
165

–
–
165

229

141

67

(13)
–

(13)
–
–

6
121

–
–

–
–
–

–
67

(13)
5

(13)
(1)
7

6
220

736.9

29.8

648
28

22

28

(1)

44
71

–
5
76

22

–
5

–
(1)
7

–
33

–
–

12

–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–
(7)

(13)

(7)

3

–
(4)

–
–
(4)

12

(13)

–
–

–
–
–

–
12

–
–

–
–
–

–
(13)

* 

 Profit attributable to equity holders in Switzerland is shown after the elimination of inter-company loan interest of £16m.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

17

EARNINGS RECONCILIATIONS (continued)

2016 STATUTORY RESULTS

Revenue
Operating profit
Profit attributable to equity 
holders*

RECONCILIATIONS
Revenue
Pre-acquisition Swiss tariff 
provision release
Underlying revenue

Operating profit
Add back:
– Other gains and losses
– Depreciation and  

amortisation

EBITDA

One-off and exceptional 
items:
Transaction cost (Al Noor 
acquisition)
Accelerated share-based 
payment charges
Pre-acquisition Swiss tariff 
provision release
Restructuring costs
Underlying EBITDA

Profit attributable to equity 
holders*
One-off and exceptional 
items:
Transaction cost (Al Noor 
acquisition)
Accelerated share-based 
payment charges
Pre-acquisition Swiss tariff 
provision release
Restructuring costs
Fair value gains on 
ineffective cash flow 
hedges
Other gains and losses
Tax on one-off and 
exceptional items
Underlying earnings
Weighted average number 
of shares (millions)
Underlying earnings per 
share (pence)

Total
£’m

Switzerland
£’m

Southern
 Africa
£’m

Middle
East
£’m

United
Kingdom
£’m

Corporate
£’m

649
109

53

649

–
649

109

–

20
129

–

10

–
–
139

53

–

10

–
–

–
–

–
63

328
58

55

328

–
328

58

–

10
68

–

–

–
2
70

55

–

–

–
2

–
–

–
57

2 107
288

177

1 130
165

113

2 107

1 130

(7)
2 100

(7)
1 123

288

1

93
382

41

10

(7)
2
428

165

–

63
228

–

–

(7)
–
221

177

113

–

–

(7)
–

(8)
–

3
101

41

10

(7)
2

(8)
1

3
219

598.4

36.7

–
–

6

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

6

–

–

–
–

–
–

–
6

–
(44)

(50)

–

–
–

(44)

1

–
(43)

41

–

–
–
(2)

(50)

41

–

–
–

–
1

–
(8)

*  Profit attributable to equity holders in Switzerland is shown after the elimination of inter-company loan interest of £17m.

18

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

•  Mediclinic Southern Africa: The Group expects 
revenue growth in line with inflation despite the 
challenging macro-economic environment, greater 
competition and funder constraints. Despite 
cost inflation running above tariff increases, the 
underlying EBITDA margin is expected to remain 
broadly stable through increased efficiencies.

•  Mediclinic Southern Africa and Hirslanden business 

days will be impacted by two Easter holiday 
periods in the current year.

•  Mediclinic Middle East: The Dubai operating 

performance is expected to remain stable despite 
the competitive landscape. A gradual improvement 
is expected in the Abu Dhabi business over the 
next couple of years. As a result, the Group 
expects only a marginal improvement in Middle 
East revenues for the full year and a more gradual 
improvement in underlying EBITDA margins over 
time, including the impact associated with the 
opening of new facilities. First half FY18 Middle 
East performance versus the prior year comparator 
is expected to be lower largely due to the higher 
patient volumes and revenues in Abu Dhabi prior 
to the regulatory changes, asset sales and business 
and operational alignment initiatives during FY17. 

•  The Group’s budgeted capital expenditure is  
£281m in constant currency. This comprises  
£118m in Hirslanden, £71m in Mediclinic Southern 
Africa and £92m in Mediclinic Middle East.

DIVIDEND POLICY AND 
PROPOSED DIVIDEND 

The  Group’s  dividend  policy  is  to  target  a  pay-out 
ratio of between 25% and 30% of underlying earnings.  
The Board may revise the policy at its discretion.

The Board proposes a final dividend of 4.70 pence per 
ordinary  share  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2017  for 
approval by the Company’s shareholders at the annual 
general  meeting  on  Tuesday,  25  July  2017.  Together 
with  the  interim  dividend  of  3.20  pence  per  ordinary 
share  for  the  six  months  ended  30  September  2016 
(paid  on  12  December  2016),  the  total  final  proposed 
dividend  reflects  a  27%  distribution  of  underlying 
Group earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders. 

Shareholders  on  the  South  African  register  will  be 
paid  the  ZAR  cash  equivalent  of  80.60500  cents  
(64.48400  cents  net  of  dividend  withholding  tax) 
per  share.  A  dividend  withholding  tax  of  20%  will  be 
applicable  to  all  shareholders  on  the  South  African 
register who are not exempt therefrom. The ZAR cash 
equivalent  has  been  calculated  using  the  following 
exchange rate: £1:ZAR17.15, being the five-day average 
ZAR/GBP  exchange  rate  on  Friday,  19  May  2017  at 
3:00pm GMT Bloomberg.

TAX STRATEGY

The  Group  is  committed  to  conduct  its  tax  affairs 
consistent with the following objectives:
•  comply with relevant laws, rules, regulations, and 

reporting and disclosure requirements in whichever 
jurisdiction it operates; and

•  maintain mutual trust and respect in dealings with 
all tax authorities in the jurisdictions the Group  
does business.

Whilst  the  Group  aims  to  maximise  the  tax  efficiency 
of its business transactions, it does not use structures 
in  its  tax  planning  that  are  contrary  to  the  intentions 
of  the  relevant  legislature.  The  Group  interprets 
relevant tax laws in a reasonable way and ensures that 
transactions are structured in a way that is consistent 
with  a  relationship  of  co-operative  compliance  with  
tax  authorities. 
the 
implications  of  any  planning  for  the  Group’s  wider 
corporate reputation.

It  also  actively  considers 

In order to meet these objectives, various procedures 
are  implemented.  The  Audit  and  Risk  Committee 
has  reviewed  the  Group’s  tax  strategy  and  related 
corporate tax matters.

OUTLOOK

The  Group’s  main  strategic  focus  remains  to  ensure 
high-quality care and optimal patient experience. To this 
end, Mediclinic continues to invest in its people, patient 
facilities  and  the  technology  within  the  facilities.  The 
Group’s  growing  international  scale  also  enables  it  to 
unlock  further  value  through  promoting  collaboration 
and best practice between its operating platforms and 
to  extract  further  synergies  and  cost-efficiencies.  The 
Group is well-positioned to deliver long-term value to 
its shareholders with a well-balanced portfolio of global 
operations, a leading position across all four attractive 
healthcare markets and a platform for future growth.

Demand  for  Mediclinic’s  services  across  its  platforms 
remains robust, underpinned by an ageing population, 
growing disease burden and technological innovation. 
However, the increase in demand across the platforms 
is  impacted  by  lower  economic  growth  and  greater 
competition. In addition, there is an increased focus on  
the  affordability  of  delivering  healthcare  which  is 
resulting in changing care delivery models and greater  
regulatory oversight.

The  Group  provides  the  following  guidance  for  the 
financial year ending 31 March 2018 (“FY18”):
•  Hirslanden: Given the already high occupancy rates 
and stable bed numbers the Group anticipates 
modest revenue growth. The underlying EBITDA 
margin is expected to be lower. This is due to 
the tariff and regulatory environment including 
the impact from the proposed national TARMED 
adjustment and outmigration framework coming in 
the fourth quarter FY18, increasing costs relating to 
several major projects including Hirslanden 2020 
and assumes no further tariff provision releases 
that benefited FY17. The impacts of these will 
partially be offset by ongoing efficiency gains.

FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

19

FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY

The Five-year Summary is presented in British pound, rounded to the nearest million. Financial information of 
2013 to 2015 was reported in South African rand and has been translated to British pound using the procedures 
outlined below:
•  assets and liabilities were translated at the closing British pound rates;
•  income and expenses were translated at average British pound exchange rates; and
•  differences resulting from re-translation have been recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve.

INCOME STATEMENT

Revenue

Operating profit

Profit after tax

Underlying revenue

Underlying EBITDA

Underlying earnings

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings basis

Diluted earnings basis

Basic underlying earnings basis

Diluted underlying earnings basis

Dividends declared per share

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Current assets

Total assets

EQUITY

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

LIABILITIES

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

2017
£’m

2 749 

362 

243 

2 749 

501 

220 

2016
£’m

2015
£’m

2014
£’m

2013
£’m

2 107 

1 977 

1 892 

1 818 

288 

190 

345 

254 

342 

223 

307 

(63)

2 100 

1 977 

1 892 

1 829 

428 

219 

403 

193 

401 

189 

390 

143 

2017
pence

2016
pence

2015
pence

2014
pence

2013
pence

31.0 

31.0 

29.8 

29.8 

7.90 

2017
£’m

6 353 

1 069 

7 422 

4 086 

78 

4 164 

2 668 

590 

3 258 

7 422 

29.6 

29.5 

36.7 

36.7 

7.90 

44.6 

43.8 

35.8 

35.1 

9.33 

41.4 

40.5 

37.3 

36.5 

8.90 

2016
£’m

2015
£’m

2014
£’m

5 604 

945 

6 549 

3 509 

61 

3 570 

2 192 

787 

2 979 

6 549 

3 654 

742 

4 396 

1 779 

61 

1 840 

2 114 

442 

2 556 

4 396 

3 369 

638 

4 006 

1 390 

52 

1 442 

2 096 

468 

2 564 

4 006 

(17.7)

(17.2)

30.9 

30.0 

9.62 

2013
£’m

3 405 

630 

4 034 

1 223 

57 

1 280 

2 324 

430 

2 754 

4 034 

 
20

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

INVESTMENT CASE

INVESTMENT CASE

Mediclinic  seeks  to  achieve  long-term  value  creation  through  sustainable  operating  practices  and  
returns-driven capital allocation. This is summarised as follows:

COMMITMENT TO  
QUALITY CARE
•  As a healthcare services provider, the Group is 
invested in a positive outcome for patients and 
their families.

•  Continuous focus on patient safety and  

excellence in clinical performance.

INVESTMENT IN 
INFRASTRUCTURE
•  Extensive property ownership provides valuable 
operational flexibility and asset underpin to  
the business. 

•  Infrastructure is maintained through a process  

of continuous evaluation and investment.

POSITIVE GROWTH
•  Technological advances, ageing population, 

consumerism, the burden of disease and public 
funding limitations drive the growth in private 
healthcare globally.

INVESTMENT IN GROWTH
•  Opportunities for further growth exist in all 

platforms and new territories.

•  Capital allocation driven by strategy and 
evaluated on a risk-adjusted returns basis.

FINANCIAL CONTROL
•  Maintaining high standards of cost-efficiency  

and financial discipline.
•  Strong cash flow generation.
•  Targeted dividend pay-out ratio of 25% to 30%  

of underlying earnings per share.

SUSTAINABILITY
•  Committed to managing the business in a 

sustainable way, upholding the highest standards 
of ethics and corporate governance practices; and 
value and respect of employees, communities and 
the environment.

•  Focus on integrity to maintain and improve 

confidence, trust and respect of all stakeholders.

STRONG TRACK RECORD
•  Led by an experienced Board and management 
team with an average corporate level tenure of 
over 20 years.

•  Long-term commitment since inception from 
Remgro, Mediclinic’s founding shareholder.

LEADING INTERNATIONAL 
PRESENCE
•  Diversified portfolio of operating platforms and 
investments: Southern Africa, Switzerland, the 
Middle East and the United Kingdom.
•  Strong market positions in all regions.

GLOBAL PRIVATE HEALTHCARE 
GROUP BENEFITS
•  Scale of operations leads to efficiencies in 
procurement, information technology and  
clinical services.

•  Breadth of intellectual property applied across  

the Group.

•  Trusted provider of hospital services in developed 

and developing markets.

VALUE ADDED STATEMENT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

21

VALUE ADDED STATEMENT

VALUE CREATED
Revenue

Cost of materials and services

Finance income

DISTRIBUTION OF VALUE
To employees as remuneration and other benefits

Tax and other state and local authority levies (excluding VAT)

To suppliers of capital

Non-controlling interests

Finance cost on borrowed funds

Distribution to shareholders

VALUE RETAINED
To maintain and replace assets

Income retained for future growth

2017
£’m

%

2016
£’m

%

2 749

(997)

7

2 107

(736)

9

1 759

100.0

1 380

100.0

1 231

75

14

74

62

70.0

4.3

0.8

4.2

3.5

934

63

67.7

4.6

13

58

48

0.9

4.2

3.5

1 456

82.8

1 116

80.9

145

158

303

8.2

9.0

17.2

93

171

264

6.7

12.4

19.1

DISTRIBUTION OF VALUE 

2017

2016

4.3%

0.8%

4.2%

70.0%

4.6%

0.9%

67.7%

3.5%

8.2%

9.0%

4.2%

3.5%

6.7%

12.4%

Employee remuneration and other benefits

Distribution to shareholders

Tax and other state and local authority levies

Maintain and replace assets

Non-controlling interests

Income retained for future growth

Finance cost on borrowed funds

 
 
22

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

BUSINESS MODEL

BUSINESS MODEL

Mediclinic’s business model has resulted in quality service delivery, 
manageable  risks,  and  generally  a  business  that  sustains  growth 
and  creates  value  for  its  stakeholders.  The  business  model  varies 
slightly  in  the  three  operating  platforms.  In  Mediclinic  Southern 
Africa,  operations  are  supported  by  specialists  who  are  not 
employed  by  the  Group,  but  operate  independently.  This  is  a 
regulatory  limitation  in  terms  of  the  Health  Professions  Council 
of  South  Africa,  which  prohibits  the  employment  of  doctors  by 
private  hospitals,  although  permission  has  been  obtained  to 
appoint  doctors  in  emergency  units.  In  Hirslanden  and  Mediclinic 
Middle  East,  some  doctors  are  employed,  while  other  doctors  
are independent.

OUR VISION

TO BE RESPECTED INTERNATIONALLY  
AND PREFERRED LOCALLY

WE WILL BE RESPECTED INTERNATIONALLY FOR:
•  delivering measurable quality clinical outcomes
•  continuing to grow as a successful international 
•  enforcing good corporate governance
•  acting as a responsible corporate citizen

healthcare group

WE WILL BE PREFERRED LOCALLY FOR:
•  delivering excellent patient care
•  ensuring aligned relationships with doctor communities
•  being an employer of choice, appointing and retaining  
•  building constructive relationships with all stakeholders
•  being a valued member of the community

competent staff

OUR RELENTLESS FOCUS ON PATIENT NEEDS WILL  
CREATE LONG-TERM SHAREHOLDER VALUE AND 
ESTABLISH MEDICLINIC INTERNATIONAL AS A LEADER  
IN THE GLOBAL HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY.

BUSINESS
INPUTS/RESOURCES

FINANCIAL1
Mediclinic has a strong financial profile, 
underpinned by an extensive property 
portfolio. The Group has good access to 
capital and invests for growth, generating 
positive cash flow and a track record of 
good returns on its capital investments.

MANUFACTURED²
Mediclinic has a leading position in the key 
markets in which it operates. The Group 
owns, develops and operates 74 high-quality 
hospitals and 37 clinics, providing over  
10 400 beds across three regions, utilising 
technology of an international standard.

HUMAN
The Group employs over 32 600 employees 
across its three platforms. During the year, 
the Group invested 3.2% of Mediclinic 
Southern Africa’s payroll, 4.8% of 
Hirslanden’s payroll, and 0.1% of Mediclinic 
Middle East’s payroll in training across all 
platforms, including extensive formal nurse 
training in Southern Africa. 

INTELLECTUAL
Mediclinic has an experienced Board and 
management team with deep industry 
knowledge. The continued growth of 
Mediclinic is testament to the strong 
management team and their ability to 
execute the Group’s strategy. The expertise 
of the Group’s clinical staff is a critical 
element of its business, allowing it to 
provide quality healthcare services².

SOCIAL AND RELATIONSHIPS3
Mediclinic has excellent relationships with 
key stakeholders, regularly engaging with 
employees, funders, patients, supporting 
doctors, suppliers, governments and 
communities. It has a proven commitment 
to ensure a high standard of ethics, social 
responsibility, accountability, cooperation 
and transparency. 

NATURAL3
The Group is committed to efficient energy 
use in all its hospitals and continuously 
strives to reduce its water consumption 
and carbon emissions, with an increasing 
number of its hospitals certified to the  
ISO 14001 standard.

¹  
²  

³  

 Please see the Financial Review from page 14. 
 Please see the Clinical Services Overview  
from page 37 and the Clinical Services  
Report available on the Company’s website  
at www.mediclinic.com.
 Please see the Sustainable Development 
Highlights from page 54 and the  
Sustainable Development Report  
available on the Company’s website at  
www.mediclinic.com.

AR

CSR

SDR

BUSINESS MODEL

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

23

HOW WE
GENERATE VALUE

BUSINESS
OUTCOMES

INVESTING IN

GROWTH AND EXPANSION OF THE GROUP’S WORLD CLASS FACILITIES
The Group has a track record of investing in carefully selected capital 
projects that deliver satisfactory returns and has demonstrated the 
ability to integrate and extract value from acquisitions and expansions. 
Mediclinic builds and continuously improves its facilities across its 
platforms, investing in medical technology of an international standard 
to offer the best care possible.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF
Continuous investment in the training and development of staff 
creates a highly-trained workforce and talent pipeline. Our Global 
Reward Centre of Excellence ensures optimal remuneration practices 
across the Group. Integrated talent strategies are deployed to ensure 
proactive attraction and retention of scarce skills.

IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES
A relentless focus on extracting efficiencies from key business 
processes, using resources as effectively as possible and driving cost 
savings and synergies across the Group, are critical to ensure that it 
delivers cost-efficient services.

PROVIDING

CARE
The Group’s main business activity is caring 
for patients. Deep operational expertise 
delivers a seamless patient experience, 
underpinned by high-quality nursing care.

DELIVERING VALUE TO

PATIENTS
Through superior clinical 
performance in a safe clinical 
environment and through 
providing the best possible 
patient experience in an 
increasingly integrated and 
coordinated manner.

SHAREHOLDERS
Through growth in 
capitalisation and shareholders 
returns, with the balance of 
funds retained for investment in 
expansion.

SHAREHOLDER VALUE
A focus on disciplined cost management 
and improving efficiencies has delivered a 
strong track record of growth in revenue 
and EBITDA with a total dividend to 
shareholders of 7.90 pence per share 
(refer to the Directors’ Report on  
page 128 for a record of dividends for  
the year).

AR

QUALITY HEALTHCARE SERVICES
All three platforms have seen an increase 
in inpatient admissions, benefiting from 
superior clinical performance through the 
skill of Mediclinic’s staff and supporting 
doctors and the standard of its 
facilities, as well as high levels of patient 
experience. During the year, £303m  
(2016: £264m) was retained for  
future growth and to maintain and 
replace assets.

HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE 
During the year, £1 231m (2016: £934m) 
was paid to employees as remuneration 
and other benefits, alongside investment 
in the training and well-being of staff, 
creating a motivated and engaged 
workforce, both in clinical and  
business services.

GOVERNMENT
The Mediclinic Group contributed £75m 
(2016: £63m) in taxes and other state and 
local authority levies to the economies 
where it operates during the year.

SOCIETY
Mediclinic makes an economic and 
social contribution to the communities 
where it operates with a corporate social 
investment of ZAR12.3m (2016: ZAR11.8m) 
by Mediclinic Southern Africa, CHF2.5m 
(2016: CHF2.5m) by Hirslanden and 
AED1.0m (2016: AED0.8m) by Mediclinic 
Middle East during the year.

ENVIRONMENT
The Company was included in the 
CDP’s global 2016 Climate A List 
recognising companies for their actions 
in mitigating climate change, focusing 
mainly on Mediclinic Southern Africa’s 
environmental management.

24

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

OUR STRATEGY, PROGRESS AND AIMS

OUR STRATEGY, PROGRESS AND AIMS 

OUR OBJECTIVE
Mediclinic’s overall objective is to generate long-term shareholder value through:
•  putting Patients First;
•  improving efficiencies;
•  continuing to grow; and
•  investing in employees.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

DESCRIPTION

PROGRESS 2016/17 FY

AIMS 2017/18 FY

The Group strives to ensure that the clinical services provided  
across all platforms are effective, efficient and occur within a safe  
clinical environment.

The Group focuses on improved patient experience in processes, 
accommodation and aesthetics, meals and nutrition, interactions with 
doctors, points of care and hospitality towards visitors and family.

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST –  
SUPERIOR CLINICAL 
PERFORMANCE IN A SAFE 
CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT
More information on this priority 
is included in the Clinical Services 
Overview and the Sustainable 
Development Highlights (material  
issue 1), as well as the more detailed 
Clinical Services Report and the 
Sustainable Development Report 
available on the Company’s website  
at www.mediclinic.com.

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST –  
IMPROVED PATIENT 
EXPERIENCE
More information on this priority 
is included in the Clinical Services 
Overview and the Sustainable 
Development Highlights (material  
issue 1), as well as the more detailed 
Clinical Services Report and the 
Sustainable Development Report 
available on the Company’s website  
at www.mediclinic.com.

AR

CSR

SDR

AR

CSR

SDR

•  Reinforced clinical governance by reconstituting the 

Quality Committee as a Clinical Performance and 

Sustainability Committee of the Board, designing a 

clinical performance model, and strengthening the 

Group leadership team. 

•  Created alignment across the Group  

through standardised clinical key performance  

indicator reporting.

•  In Southern Africa, increased the number of hospital 

clinical managers to 11; progressed on key clinical 

performance indicators; improved transparency 

by reporting hospital-specific clinical performance 

indicators to medical schemes; and elevated the 

reporting and investigation of serious adverse events.

•  In Switzerland, progressed with the clinical information 

system; and successfully initiated a pilot project on 

patient-related outcome measurement relating to  

joint replacements.

•  In the Middle East, developed a clinical strategy for the 

combined business (post the Al Noor Combination); 

revised the clinical strategy for each business unit;  

and selected an electronic health record system. 

•  Rolled out the patient experience index in Switzerland.

•  Managed the patient experience indices and set targets 

for improvement in Southern Africa and  

Middle East (Dubai business).

•  In Southern Africa, improved data quality, hosted 

workshops, developed focused and appropriate action 

plans; and developed and implemented a complaint 

handling component of a stakeholder relationship 

management system.

•  In the Middle East, improved facilities in especially 

the Abu Dhabi/Al Ain businesses; aligned revenue 

management processes to become more patient 

centred; upgraded the contact centre services for 

patients; ran clinical communication training; and 

conducted patient experience training for hospital  

and contracted staff aligned with the rebranding in  

Abu Dhabi/Al Ain.

•  Further refine the clinical performance model  

•  Develop clinical services initiatives for the benefit  

•  In Southern Africa, improve the processes that prevent 

serious adverse events; and refine nursing workforce 

and indicators.

of the Group.

effectiveness.

•  In Switzerland, identify patient pathways qualifying  

for standardisation.

•  In the Middle East, implement standardised outcome 

databases; commence roll-out of standardised 

electronic health record system; and set centralised 

clinical strategies for key service lines.

•  Further refine patient experience index and set targets 

for improved performance across the Group.

•  In Southern Africa, release a summary of the patient 

experience index publicly; standardise communication 

with patients and family; and complete the 

implementation of hourly rounding, handover in front 

of patients and flexible visiting hours initiatives.

•  In Switzerland, analyse patient experience index of 

new system and determine action plans.

•  In the Middle East, continue to roll out and embed 

the standardised patient experience index across the 

combined business (post the Al Noor Combination).

OUR STRATEGY, PROGRESS AND AIMS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

25

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

DESCRIPTION

PROGRESS 2016/17 FY

AIMS 2017/18 FY

The Group strives to ensure that the clinical services provided  

across all platforms are effective, efficient and occur within a safe  

clinical environment.

The Group focuses on improved patient experience in processes, 

accommodation and aesthetics, meals and nutrition, interactions with 

doctors, points of care and hospitality towards visitors and family.

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST –  

SUPERIOR CLINICAL 

PERFORMANCE IN A SAFE 

CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT

More information on this priority 

is included in the Clinical Services 

Overview and the Sustainable 

Development Highlights (material  

issue 1), as well as the more detailed 

Clinical Services Report and the 

Sustainable Development Report 

available on the Company’s website  

at www.mediclinic.com.

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST –  

IMPROVED PATIENT 

EXPERIENCE

More information on this priority 

is included in the Clinical Services 

Overview and the Sustainable 

Development Highlights (material  

issue 1), as well as the more detailed 

Clinical Services Report and the 

Sustainable Development Report 

available on the Company’s website  

at www.mediclinic.com.

AR

CSR

SDR

AR

CSR

SDR

•  Reinforced clinical governance by reconstituting the 
Quality Committee as a Clinical Performance and 
Sustainability Committee of the Board, designing a 
clinical performance model, and strengthening the 
Group leadership team. 

•  Created alignment across the Group  

through standardised clinical key performance  
indicator reporting.

•  In Southern Africa, increased the number of hospital 
clinical managers to 11; progressed on key clinical 
performance indicators; improved transparency 
by reporting hospital-specific clinical performance 
indicators to medical schemes; and elevated the 
reporting and investigation of serious adverse events.
•  In Switzerland, progressed with the clinical information 
system; and successfully initiated a pilot project on 
patient-related outcome measurement relating to  
joint replacements.

•  In the Middle East, developed a clinical strategy for the 
combined business (post the Al Noor Combination); 
revised the clinical strategy for each business unit;  
and selected an electronic health record system. 

•  Rolled out the patient experience index in Switzerland.
•  Managed the patient experience indices and set targets 

for improvement in Southern Africa and  
Middle East (Dubai business).

•  In Southern Africa, improved data quality, hosted 

workshops, developed focused and appropriate action 
plans; and developed and implemented a complaint 
handling component of a stakeholder relationship 
management system.

•  In the Middle East, improved facilities in especially 
the Abu Dhabi/Al Ain businesses; aligned revenue 
management processes to become more patient 
centred; upgraded the contact centre services for 
patients; ran clinical communication training; and 
conducted patient experience training for hospital  
and contracted staff aligned with the rebranding in  
Abu Dhabi/Al Ain.

•  Further refine the clinical performance model  

and indicators.

•  Develop clinical services initiatives for the benefit  

of the Group.

•  In Southern Africa, improve the processes that prevent 
serious adverse events; and refine nursing workforce 
effectiveness.

•  In Switzerland, identify patient pathways qualifying  

for standardisation.

•  In the Middle East, implement standardised outcome 
databases; commence roll-out of standardised 
electronic health record system; and set centralised 
clinical strategies for key service lines.

•  Further refine patient experience index and set targets 

for improved performance across the Group.

•  In Southern Africa, release a summary of the patient 

experience index publicly; standardise communication 
with patients and family; and complete the 
implementation of hourly rounding, handover in front 
of patients and flexible visiting hours initiatives.
•  In Switzerland, analyse patient experience index of 

new system and determine action plans.

•  In the Middle East, continue to roll out and embed 

the standardised patient experience index across the 
combined business (post the Al Noor Combination).

26

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

OUR STRATEGY, PROGRESS AND AIMS

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

DESCRIPTION

PROGRESS 2016/17 FY

AIMS 2017/18 FY

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST – 
DELIVER INTEGRATED AND 
COORDINATED CARE
More information on this priority 
is included in the Clinical Services 
Overview and the more detailed 
Clinical Services Report available on 
the Company’s website  
at www.mediclinic.com.

The Group is gradually moving towards a better integrated healthcare 
delivery model, with a key focus on improving collaboration and 
coordination between clinical care providers.

•  In Southern Africa, strengthened the clinical 

management at hospital level, shared information 

with doctors; commenced with a pilot project at 

five hospitals to lay the foundation for improved 

collaboration with doctors; and pioneered an integrated 

hip and knee replacement protocol at 35 hospitals with 

good support from orthopaedic surgeons and medical 

•  Continue to develop structures to encourage 

integrated, collaborative and coordinated care  

across the Group.

•  Continue with operational initiatives to integrate, 

collaborate and coordinate where possible, and 

continue to pursue a multi-disciplinary approach  

to treatment across the Group.

IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES –  
IMPROVED OPERATIONAL 
EFFECTIVENESS
More information on this priority 
is included in the Chief Executive 
Officer’s Review.

The Group seeks to leverage its combined international capacity through 
collaboration and shared resources.

The Group pursues various initiatives throughout its operating platforms  
to improve operational efficiency. 

•  Improved the standardisation of processes and systems 

through the continued introduction of  

•  Expand scope for central synergies focused on clinical 

services, ICT and human resources for the benefit of 

SAP enterprise resource planning software across  

the Group.

AR

CSR

AR

CONTINUING TO GROW

The Group pursues growth by increasing capacity at existing infrastructure, 
acquisitive or organic growth in existing platforms and considering further 
international acquisitions.

•  In Switzerland, set a policy for indication quality and the 

introduction of indication boards; commenced a project 

to introduce fast track orthopaedics; and implemented 

a common structure for highly specialised medicine 

schemes.

services.

•  In the Middle East, simplified the operational structure; 

improved the internal referral processes and system; 

combined clinical senior leadership meetings; and 

increased the number of clinical practice guidelines.

the Group.

•  Broadened master data management and data 

warehouse projects across the Group.

•  Strengthened central ICT by establishing support 

infrastructure for SAP, Microsoft and network security 

environments, generating savings for the Group.

•  In Southern Africa, commissioned 78 new beds at 

existing hospitals; approved the development of 

five new day clinics; acquired, subject to regulatory 

approvals, a controlling share in three hospitals with 

256 beds in Klerksdorp; and acquired, subject to due 

diligence and regulatory approvals, a 50% + 1 share 

interest in Life Path Health (mental health).

•  In Switzerland, opened a new hybrid operating theatre 

and outpatient surgery unit at Hirslanden Clinique Cecil, 

a third cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Hirslanden 

Klinik Aarau and completed two new modular operating 

theatres at Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna and Hirslanden 

Klinik Stephanshorn, respectively.

•  In the Middle East, commenced construction of the 

Mediclinic Parkview Hospital (161 beds); opened 

Aspetar, Ghayathi and Al Yaher (Golden) clinics; opened 

the North Wing of Mediclinic City Hospital (27 beds); 

and opened Al Jowhara Hospital (51 beds).

•  Develop cost ratio benchmarks setting productivity 

indices across the Group.

•  Establish a corporate finance strategy for the Group.

•  Improve Group reporting capabilities.

•  In Southern Africa, manage salary costs and improve 

theatre efficiency.

•  In Switzerland, roll out a first phase of the programme 

for service differentiation per insurance type; and 

continue with the “Hirslanden 2020” project to 

improve operational efficiency.

•  In the Middle East, develop pricing strategies for 

implementation; improve collections and reduce 

rejections of claims; further refine operational 

structures; and standardise to SAP. 

•  Evaluate further growth opportunities across the 

Group applying risk-adjusted returns.

•  In Southern Africa, grow acute care business with  

54 additional beds; continue day clinic roll out; and 

grow related business focusing on psychiatric and 

primary care.

•  In Switzerland, evaluate and analyse related business 

opportunities; and implement further shared service 

and centre of excellence structures according to 

“Hirslanden 2020”. 

•  In the Middle East, commission Khalifa City A clinic; 

progress with Mediclinic Parkview Hospital; and 

consider alternative growth options such as public 

private partnerships.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

DESCRIPTION

PROGRESS 2016/17 FY

AIMS 2017/18 FY

OUR STRATEGY, PROGRESS AND AIMS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

27

The Group is gradually moving towards a better integrated healthcare 

delivery model, with a key focus on improving collaboration and 

coordination between clinical care providers.

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST – 

DELIVER INTEGRATED AND 

COORDINATED CARE

More information on this priority 

is included in the Clinical Services 

Overview and the more detailed 

Clinical Services Report available on 

the Company’s website  

at www.mediclinic.com.

AR

CSR

IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES –  

IMPROVED OPERATIONAL 

EFFECTIVENESS

More information on this priority 

is included in the Chief Executive 

AR

Officer’s Review.

The Group seeks to leverage its combined international capacity through 

collaboration and shared resources.

The Group pursues various initiatives throughout its operating platforms  

to improve operational efficiency. 

CONTINUING TO GROW

The Group pursues growth by increasing capacity at existing infrastructure, 

acquisitive or organic growth in existing platforms and considering further 

international acquisitions.

•  In Southern Africa, strengthened the clinical 

management at hospital level, shared information 
with doctors; commenced with a pilot project at 
five hospitals to lay the foundation for improved 
collaboration with doctors; and pioneered an integrated 
hip and knee replacement protocol at 35 hospitals with 
good support from orthopaedic surgeons and medical 
schemes.

•  In Switzerland, set a policy for indication quality and the 
introduction of indication boards; commenced a project 
to introduce fast track orthopaedics; and implemented 
a common structure for highly specialised medicine 
services.

•  In the Middle East, simplified the operational structure; 
improved the internal referral processes and system; 
combined clinical senior leadership meetings; and 
increased the number of clinical practice guidelines.

•  Improved the standardisation of processes and systems 

through the continued introduction of  
SAP enterprise resource planning software across  
the Group.

•  Broadened master data management and data 

warehouse projects across the Group.

•  Strengthened central ICT by establishing support 

infrastructure for SAP, Microsoft and network security 
environments, generating savings for the Group.

•  In Southern Africa, commissioned 78 new beds at 
existing hospitals; approved the development of 
five new day clinics; acquired, subject to regulatory 
approvals, a controlling share in three hospitals with 
256 beds in Klerksdorp; and acquired, subject to due 
diligence and regulatory approvals, a 50% + 1 share 
interest in Life Path Health (mental health).

•  In Switzerland, opened a new hybrid operating theatre 
and outpatient surgery unit at Hirslanden Clinique Cecil, 
a third cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Hirslanden 
Klinik Aarau and completed two new modular operating 
theatres at Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna and Hirslanden 
Klinik Stephanshorn, respectively.

•  In the Middle East, commenced construction of the 
Mediclinic Parkview Hospital (161 beds); opened 
Aspetar, Ghayathi and Al Yaher (Golden) clinics; opened 
the North Wing of Mediclinic City Hospital (27 beds); 
and opened Al Jowhara Hospital (51 beds).

•  Continue to develop structures to encourage 

integrated, collaborative and coordinated care  
across the Group.

•  Continue with operational initiatives to integrate, 
collaborate and coordinate where possible, and 
continue to pursue a multi-disciplinary approach  
to treatment across the Group.

•  Expand scope for central synergies focused on clinical 
services, ICT and human resources for the benefit of 
the Group.

•  Develop cost ratio benchmarks setting productivity 

indices across the Group.

•  Establish a corporate finance strategy for the Group.
•  Improve Group reporting capabilities.
•  In Southern Africa, manage salary costs and improve 

theatre efficiency.

•  In Switzerland, roll out a first phase of the programme 
for service differentiation per insurance type; and 
continue with the “Hirslanden 2020” project to 
improve operational efficiency.

•  In the Middle East, develop pricing strategies for 
implementation; improve collections and reduce 
rejections of claims; further refine operational 
structures; and standardise to SAP. 

•  Evaluate further growth opportunities across the 

Group applying risk-adjusted returns.

•  In Southern Africa, grow acute care business with  
54 additional beds; continue day clinic roll out; and 
grow related business focusing on psychiatric and 
primary care.

•  In Switzerland, evaluate and analyse related business 
opportunities; and implement further shared service 
and centre of excellence structures according to 
“Hirslanden 2020”. 

•  In the Middle East, commission Khalifa City A clinic; 
progress with Mediclinic Parkview Hospital; and 
consider alternative growth options such as public 
private partnerships.

28

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

OUR STRATEGY, PROGRESS AND AIMS

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

DESCRIPTION

PROGRESS 2016/17 FY

AIMS 2017/18 FY

INVESTING IN EMPLOYEES
More information on this priority 
is included in the Sustainable 
Development Highlights (material 
issue 2), as well as the more detailed 
Sustainable Development Report 
available on the Company’s website  
at www.mediclinic.com.

AR

SDR

The Group relies on identifying, attracting and retaining leading specialists 
and talented healthcare professionals. 

The Group also measures the engagement of its employees and focuses  
on targeted initiatives to improve employee engagement.

•  Introduced action plans to improve employee 

engagement and conducted a second survey through 

•  Continue to measure progress with employee 

engagement based on the employee engagement 

the employee engagement index across the Group.

index across the Group.

•  In Southern Africa, completed the initiative to double 

training capacity by changing the nurse training funding 

•  Continue to implement targeted improvement plans 

based on the Employee Engagement Index across  

model and expanding training capacity; and designed 

the Group.

and prepared to launch an employee recognition 

programme.

•  In Switzerland, launched the Leadership Development 

Programme for senior management with the aim to 

further promote a culture of teamwork and feedback.

•  In the Middle East, standardised working and 

(post the Al Noor Combination).

employment conditions across the combined business 

nurse training; and continue with the range of training 

•  In Southern Africa, implement new training 

programmes for new nursing qualifications; and 

launch the employee recognition programme.

•  In Switzerland, progress with the concept of a 

Hirslanden Private Medical School for medical doctors; 

evaluate potential cooperation partners in the field of 

programmes for all types and levels of employment.

•  In the Middle East, build on the affiliation with the 

Mohammed Bin Rashid University Medical School 

Programme, which will give direct access to a new 

pool of medical students and newly qualified doctors; 

implement the employee engagement index and the 

related processes to the Abu Dhabi/Al Ain part of the 

business; and develop and Emiratisation strategy.

IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES – 
LEVERAGE INTERNATIONAL 
GROUP BENEFITS

The Group uses central resources to achieve procurement efficiencies across 
all platforms.

•  Established a Group Purchasing Organisation to 

generate savings on the procurement of major capital 

•  Expand savings initiatives on the procurement of 

major capital items and high volume surgical and 

items as well as surgical and consumable products 

consumable products across the Group.

across the Group.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

DESCRIPTION

PROGRESS 2016/17 FY

AIMS 2017/18 FY

OUR STRATEGY, PROGRESS AND AIMS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

29

INVESTING IN EMPLOYEES

More information on this priority 

is included in the Sustainable 

Development Highlights (material 

issue 2), as well as the more detailed 

Sustainable Development Report 

available on the Company’s website  

at www.mediclinic.com.

AR

SDR

The Group relies on identifying, attracting and retaining leading specialists 

and talented healthcare professionals. 

The Group also measures the engagement of its employees and focuses  

on targeted initiatives to improve employee engagement.

•  Introduced action plans to improve employee 

engagement and conducted a second survey through 
the employee engagement index across the Group.
•  In Southern Africa, completed the initiative to double 

training capacity by changing the nurse training funding 
model and expanding training capacity; and designed 
and prepared to launch an employee recognition 
programme.

•  In Switzerland, launched the Leadership Development 
Programme for senior management with the aim to 
further promote a culture of teamwork and feedback.

•  In the Middle East, standardised working and 

employment conditions across the combined business 
(post the Al Noor Combination).

•  Continue to measure progress with employee 

engagement based on the employee engagement 
index across the Group.

•  Continue to implement targeted improvement plans 
based on the Employee Engagement Index across  
the Group.

•  In Southern Africa, implement new training 

programmes for new nursing qualifications; and 
launch the employee recognition programme.
•  In Switzerland, progress with the concept of a 

Hirslanden Private Medical School for medical doctors; 
evaluate potential cooperation partners in the field of 
nurse training; and continue with the range of training 
programmes for all types and levels of employment.

IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES – 

LEVERAGE INTERNATIONAL 

GROUP BENEFITS

all platforms.

The Group uses central resources to achieve procurement efficiencies across 

•  Established a Group Purchasing Organisation to 

generate savings on the procurement of major capital 
items as well as surgical and consumable products 
across the Group.

•  Expand savings initiatives on the procurement of 
major capital items and high volume surgical and 
consumable products across the Group.

•  In the Middle East, build on the affiliation with the 
Mohammed Bin Rashid University Medical School 
Programme, which will give direct access to a new 
pool of medical students and newly qualified doctors; 
implement the employee engagement index and the 
related processes to the Abu Dhabi/Al Ain part of the 
business; and develop and Emiratisation strategy.

30

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

RISK MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

RISK MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPAL RISKS  
AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Board is ultimately accountable for the Group’s risk 
management  process  and  system  of  internal  control.  
In terms of a mandate by the Board, the Audit and Risk 
Committee monitors the risk management process and 
systems  of  internal  control  of  the  Group.  The  Board 
oversees the activities of the Audit and Risk Committee, 
the  Group’s  internal  and  external  auditors,  and  the 
Group’s  risk  management  function  as  delegated  to  
the Company’s Audit and Risk Committee.

RISK MANAGEMENT 

The  Group’s  Enterprise-wide  Risk  Management 
(“ERM”)  policy  follows  the  international  Committee 
of  Sponsoring  Organisations  of 
the  Treadway 
Commission (“COSO”) framework and defines the risk 

management  objectives,  methodology,  risk  appetite, 
risk identification, assessment and treatment processes 
and the responsibilities of the various risk management 
role-players in the Group. The ERM policy is subject to 
annual  review,  and  any  amendments  are  submitted  
to the Audit and Risk Committee for approval. 

The  objective  of  risk  management  in  the  Group  is  to 
establish an integrated and effective risk management 
framework  where  important  and  emerging  risks  are 
identified, quantified and managed. An ERM software 
application  supports  the  Group’s  risk  management 
process  in  all  three  operating  platforms.  The  Group’s 
principal  risk  items  (grouped  by  COSO  category, 
business  process  and  strategic  priorities), 
the 
movement  in  risk  during  the  financial  year,  together 
with  key  measures  taken  to  mitigate  these  risks,  are 
listed in the table below.

KEY

REFERENCE
➊

➋

➌

➍

COSO 
CATEGORY

Strategic  
and market

Operational 
effectiveness 
and quality

BUSINESS PROCESSES

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Strategy management;  
strategic investments

Human resources; information 
and communications technology 
(“ICT”); clinical; infrastructure; 
marketing and corporate 
communication; operations

•  Continue to grow
•  Leverage international 

Group benefits
•  Invest in employees
•  Improve safe, quality clinical 
care and patient safety

•  Deliver integrated, 
coordinated care
•  Improve efficiencies

Financial and 
reporting risks

Revenue cycle; procure to pay 
cycle; payroll cycle; cost control; 
assets management; treasury

Compliance risks

Legal and secretarial; governance 
risk and compliance; environmental 
management

Risk exposure increased due to change in business environment, increased investments, 
increased dependency of operations on information technology, information sensitivity 
and cost involved.

Proactive and continuous monitoring, favourable results of negotiations, effective 
treasury and risk management processes have resulted in lowering of risk exposure.

Risk exposure has not changed much as the operating and regulatory environment has 
more or less remained the same and enhanced risk mitigation measures have kept the 
risk at same level.

RISK MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

31

PRINCIPAL RISK

REGULATORY AND 
COMPLIANCE RISK
➊ ➍

MOVEMENT
IN 2017

DESCRIPTION OF RISK

Adverse changes in laws and 
regulations impacting the Group 
or the failure to comply with laws 
and regulations which may result in 
losses, fines, prosecution or damage  
to reputation. 

The risk includes ethical and 
governance risks that refer to 
unexpected negative consequences 
of unethical actions or the failure 
of the control and oversight 
mechanisms which were designed 
and implemented to uphold the 
ethical standards and controls of  
the organisation.

with stakeholders

MITIGATION OF RISK 
•  Proactive engagement strategies 
•  Health policy units created to 
conduct research and provide 
strategic input for  
reform processes

•  Active industry participation 
•  Company secretarial and legal 

across all platforms

departments support operational 
management, monitor regulatory 
developments and, where 
necessary, obtain expert 
legal advice for the effective 
implementation of  
compliance initiatives

COMPETITION
➊

BUSINESS 
INVESTMENT AND 
ACQUISITION 
RISKS 
➊

ECONOMIC 
AND BUSINESS 
ENVIRONMENT
➊

•  Compliance risks identified and 

assessed as part of departmental 
risk registers

•  Compliance management
•  Visible ethical leadership
•  Monitoring and investigation of 
incidents reported on the  
ethics line 

•  Board-level oversight
•  Proactive monitoring
•  Strategic planning processes
•  Quality and value of care 

processes

•  Strategic planning processes
•  Due diligence processes
•  Investment mandates 
•  Board oversight
•  Post-acquisition management 

processes

•  Systems to monitor 

developments in the economic 
and business environment 
of trends and early warning 
indicators

•  Proactive monitoring and 

negotiation by Group’s funder 
relations departments

•  Focus on quality and continuum 

of care to reinforce the  
Company’s position

The risk relating to the uncertainty 
created by the existence of 
competitors or the emergence of 
new competitors with their own 
strategies. 

The risk includes the outmigration 
of care, partly driven by further 
technological developments and 
the development of alternative care 
models.

The increased financial exposure 
relating to major strategic business 
investments and acquisitions. 

During the prior financial year, 
Mediclinic made strategic 
investments in Spire Healthcare,  
and acquired the Al Noor  
Hospitals Group.

The downturn in the general 
economic and business 
environment, including all those 
factors that affect a company’s 
operations, customers, competitors, 
stakeholders, suppliers and  
industry trends.

The business environment risk 
includes the power of funders and 
the potential negative impact on 
tariffs and fees resulting from the 
shift of the relative negotiating 
power towards funders, away from 
healthcare service providers.

32

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

RISK MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

PRINCIPAL RISK

OPERATIONAL 
AND CREDIT RISKS
➌ ➋

MOVEMENT
IN 2017

DESCRIPTION OF RISK

Operational risk refers to various 
types of operational events with a 
potential for financial loss. 

Credit risk is the risk of loss due 
to a funder’s inability to pay the 
outstanding balance owing, default 
by banks and/or other deposit-
taking institutions, or the inability to 
recover outstanding amounts due 
from the patient.

AVAILABILITY AND 
COST OF CAPITAL
(Including financing and 
liquidity risk)

➌

The cost, terms and availability 
of capital to finance strategic 
expansion opportunities and/or 
the refinancing or restructuring of 
existing debt which was affected by 
prevailing capital market conditions.

The impact of negative interest rates 
currently prevalent in Switzerland.

AR

AR

CSR

CLINICAL RISKS
➋ ➊

All clinical risks associated with the 
provision of clinical care resulting in 
undesirable clinical care or clinical 
outcomes.

The risks include a pandemic and 
disease outbreak. A pandemic is 
an epidemic of infectious disease 
that is spreading through human 
populations across a large region. 
Disease outbreak involves highly 
infectious diseases with a high  
mortality rate.

Such risks may also result in damage 
to the Mediclinic brand equity. 
Brand equity refers to the value of 
the Group’s brand names.

processes

MITIGATION OF RISK 
•  Preservation of a sound internal 
financial control environment
•  Effective risk management 
•  Extensive combined assurance 
•  Monitoring operations  
•  Continuous enhancement  

through KPIs

processes

of operational efficiency and  
cost reduction

•  Regulated minimum solvency 
requirements for funders.
•  Monitoring approved funders
•  Treasury policy
•  Board-level oversight
•  Long-term planning of  

capital requirements and cash 
flow forecasting

•  Scrutiny of cash-generating 
capacity within the Group
•  Proactive and long-term 

agreements with banks and 
other funders relating to  
funding facilities

requirements of debt covenants

•  Monitoring compliance with 
•  Further details on capital risk 
management and the Group’s 
borrowings are contained in 
the consolidated financial 
statements on page 164.
•  Refer to the Clinical Services 

Overview from page 37 and the 
Clinical Services Report available 
on the Company’s website at 
www.mediclinic.com for a 
detailed analysis of the strategies 
to manage and monitor  
clinical risks

•  A Group-wide clinical risk 
register implemented per 
platform

•  Accreditation processes
•  Clinical governance processes
•  Monitoring clinical performance 
•  Implementation of 

indicators

strategies

comprehensive processes for 
infection control and prevention 
•  Marketing and communication 
•  Focus on quality management 
•  Stakeholder engagement and 

processes

disclosure strategies

RISK MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

33

PRINCIPAL RISK

INFORMATION 
SYSTEMS 
SECURITY AND 
AVAILABILITY RISK
➋

QUALITY AND 
STABILITY OF 
OPERATIONAL 
SERVICES 
➋ ➌

AVAILABILITY, 
RECRUITMENT 
AND RETENTION 
OF SKILLED 
RESOURCES 
AND MEDICAL 
PRACTITIONERS
➋ ➌

MOVEMENT
IN 2017

DESCRIPTION OF RISK

Information systems security risk 
(including cyber risk) relates to the 
unauthorised access to information 
systems, failure of data integrity 
and confidentiality. Availability 
risk relates to the instances where 
systems are not available for use by 
its intended users.

A risk closely associated with 
information systems risk is project 
delivery. Project delivery risk 
refers to issues or occurrences 
that may potentially interfere with 
successful completion of projects, 
including its scope, timeliness and 
appropriateness of delivery.

The risk refers to the quality of 
service and the stability of the 
operations. It includes but is not 
limited to:
•  incidents of poor service or 
incidents where operational 
management fail to respond 
effectively to complaints.

•  operational interruptions, which 
are any disruption of the facility 
and including the threat of 
disrupted power or water supply; 
and

•  fire and allied perils causing 

damage or business interruption.

The availability and support of  
admitting doctors, whether 
independent or employed, are critical 
to the services the Group provides.

There is a shortage of skilled labour, 
particularly a shortage of qualified 
and experienced nursing staff in 
Southern Africa.

MITIGATION OF RISK 
•  Comprehensive IT logical access, 
change and physical access 
controls

•  Disaster recovery planning
•  System design and architecture
•  Group ICT security committee
•  Experienced project 
management team
•  Proactive monitoring and 
•  Reallocation of tasks and 

oversight

resources

•  Patient experience surveys  
(both internal and external)
•  Complaints monitoring
•  Training programmes
•  Supervision of service levels
•  Emergency backup power 
•  Emergency planning
•  Plans to deal with disasters
•  Extensive fire-fighting and 

generation

detection systems, including 
comprehensive maintenance 
processes

•  Comprehensive insurance to deal 
with financial impact of potential 
disasters

•  Monitoring doctor satisfaction, 
movement and doctors’ profiles
•  Details on the relationship 

with doctors are provided in 
the Sustainable Development 
Report available on the 
Company’s website at  
www.mediclinic.com.

•  The employment recruitment 
and retention strategies are 
explained in the Sustainable 
Development Highlights on 
page 60 and in more detail in 
the Sustainable Development 
Report available on the 
Company’s website at  
www.mediclinic.com.
•  Extensive training and skills 
development programme, 
and foreign recruitment 
programme, further explained in 
the Sustainable Development 
Highlights on page 61 and in 
more detail in the Sustainable 
Development Report available 
on the Company’s website at 
www.mediclinic.com.

SDR

AR

SDR

AR

SDR

34

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

RISK MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

INTERNAL CONTROL AND 
ASSURANCE

includes  monitoring  mechanisms 

The  Group  upholds  an  effective  control  environment, 
including a comprehensive system of internal controls 
which  is  designed  to  ensure  that  risks  are  mitigated 
and  that  the  Group’s  objectives  are  attained.  The 
and 
system 
ensures  that  appropriate  actions  are  taken  to  correct 
deficiencies when they are identified. During the year, 
each operating platform executed its assurance plans. 
These  plans  comprise  various  assurance  processes, 
including internal and external audit processes in place 
to evaluate the effectiveness of key controls designed 
to  mitigate  the  significant  risks  identified  in  each 
operating platform. 

The Group makes use of an outsourced internal audit 
function  which  is  closely  aligned  with  the  Group  risk 
management  function  and  reports  independently  to 

the  Audit  and  Risk  Committee  of  the  Board.  At  each 
operating platform, the effectiveness of the system of 
internal  financial  control  is  independently  evaluated 
through the internal and external audit programmes. In 
addition to these audits, the effectiveness of operational 
procedures is examined internally through various peer 
review  and  control  self-assessment  processes.  The 
results of these assurance processes are monitored by 
the Group’s risk management function and reported to 
each operating platform’s management teams. 

Each of the operating platforms has, in addition to the 
above-mentioned  assurance  processes,  implemented 
independent  assurance  processes  with 
further 
professional  organisations  which  are  summarised  in 
the table below.

The  company  secretaries  at  Group  and  operating 
platform  level  and  the  internal  legal  advisors  are 
responsible  for  providing  guidance  in  respect  of 
compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

ASSURANCE OUTPUT*

BUSINESS PROCESSES 
ASSURED

External calculation of carbon footprint based on 
carbon emissions data of Mediclinic Southern Africa

Carbon footprint 
calculation

ISO 14001:2004 certification of 41 of Mediclinic 
Southern Africa’s 52 hospitals

Environmental 
management system

COHSASA accreditation of 31 of Mediclinic Southern 
Africa’s participating hospitals, with the remaining  
eight hospitals undergoing the renewal process

Quality standards of 
healthcare facilities

ISO 9001:2008 certification of all 16 Hirslanden 
hospitals and Hirslanden corporate office

Process and  
quality management

Self-assessment against European Foundation for 
Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model by all 16 
Hirslanden hospitals and Hirslanden Corporate Office 

Assessment against 
the EFQM Excellence 
Model, a framework for 
organisational management 
systems aimed at 
promoting sustainable 
excellence within 
organisations

ISO 14001:2015 certification of Hirslanden Klinik Aarau 
and Hirslanden Clinique La Colline

Environmental 
management system

Quality and safety of 
patient care

PROVIDER

Carbon Calculated

British Standard Institute, 
as accredited by UKAS 
(United Kingdom 
Accreditation Service)

Council for Health Service 
Accreditation of Southern 
Africa (COHSASA), which 
is accredited by the 
International Society for 
Quality in Health Care 
(ISQua)

Swiss Association for 
Quality and Management 
Systems (SQS)

EFQM Excellence Model

Swiss Association for 
Quality and Management 
Systems (SQS)

Joint Commission 
International 
Accreditation (JCIA)

JCI re-accreditation of Mediclinic Middle East hospitals 
and clinics in Dubai as well as accreditation of 
Mediclinic Corniche and Mediclinic Al Hili

Reaccreditation of Al Noor Hospital – Al Ain branch

JCI reaccreditation of Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital in 
2017, with accreditation of all Mediclinic Middle East 
facilities by 2019

ISO 15189:2009 certification of the laboratories of 
Mediclinic Middle East hospitals in Dubai and all clinics 
in Dubai with in-house laboratories 

College of American Pathologists (CAP) re-
accreditation of the pathology laboratory of  
Mediclinic City Hospital

*   The flags indicate the operating platform where the assurance process is in place. 

 = Mediclinic Southern Africa  

 = Hirslanden  

 = Mediclinic Middle East

Pathology laboratories 
of Mediclinic Middle East 
hospitals and clinics in 
Dubai

International Organization 
for Standardization (ISO)

Pathology laboratory of 
Mediclinic City Hospital

College of American 
Pathologists

 
 
RISK MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

35

VIABILITY STATEMENT

The  assessment  of  viability  is  an  extension  of  the 
risk  management,  budget  and  forecast  process 
which  translates  into  each  of  the  Group’s  operating 
platforms’  business  plans.  The  business  plans  reflect 
the current Group strategies and their associated risks 
and the Directors’ best estimations of their prospects. 
Fundamental  to  the  assessment  of  the  Group’s 
prospects, is the long-term business model which has 
resulted in quality service delivery and revenue growth 
under manageable risk tolerance. 

The  budget  and  forecast  process  includes  a  detailed 
bottom-up  approach  per  platform  for  the  budget 
year  (performed  by  each  clinic  and  hospital)  and 
the  extension  of  the  key  assumptions  to  the  forecast 
period.  The  budgets  are  subject  to  review  and,  
if necessary, re-budgeting. The five-year plans, including 
the strategic Group goals and objectives, are reviewed 
and approved by the platform Executive Committees, 
Mediclinic 
International  Executive  Committee  and 
Mediclinic International Board.

The Board has adopted a five-year time frame for the 
assessment, in line with the Group’s business planning 
period which reflects the impact of investments made 
in  the  present  period.  The  five-year  period  extends 
beyond  the  maturities  of  a  material  portion  of  the 
Group’s  borrowings  in  each  platform.  Under  current 
operating  and  market  circumstances,  as  well  as  the 

existing  levels  of  debt  and  the  forecast  headroom  in 
respect of debt covenants, the assumption is that these 
borrowings  would  be  refinanced  broadly  in  line  with 
the terms and conditions of the existing facilities. The 
Group successfully refinanced CHF1.9bn and ZAR4.2bn 
in  2012;  CHF1.7bn  in  2015;  and  in  2016  refinanced  the 
UK  bridge  facility  of  £266m  with  facilities  amounting  
to  ZAR2.7bn  in  South  Africa  and  US$155m  in  the  
Middle East.

The  Audit  and  Risk  Committee  monitors  the  Group’s 
robust risk management process and system of internal 
control via a mandate from the Board (see pages 118 to 
119).  The  principal  risks  as  detailed  on  pages  31  to  33 
were identified by these systems and, for the purposes 
of  the  viability  assessment,  severe  but  plausible 
scenarios  reflecting  the  risks  that  could  impair  the 
viability  of  the  Group  were  identified  for  each  of  the 
operating platforms to form the basis for stress testing.

AR

On  a  platform  level  the  potential  impact  of  each 
scenario  and  certain  scenarios  in  combination  were 
modelled  and  assessed  on  EBITDA  or  profit  after  tax 
(as appropriate), net debt and debt covenants over the 
five-year forecast period. 

The  principal  risks  and  related  key  assumptions 
underlying  each  of  the  operating  platforms’  business 
plans  that  were  flexed  in  the  stress  testing  are  set  
out in the table below.

PRINCIPAL RISK

Economic and business 
environment; Regulatory risk

Competition; Economic  
and business environment; 
Regulatory risk

KEY ASSUMPTION  
STRESS TESTED

PLATFORM STRESS TESTED

Reductions in tariffs and fees

Southern Africa; Switzerland; UAE

Reduction in volumes

Southern Africa; UAE

Regulatory risk

Change in insurance patient mix

UAE

Availability and cost of capital; 
Economic and business 
environment

A downturn in the macro-
economic and business 
environment

Availability, recruitment and 
retention of skilled resources and 
medical practitioners

The shortage and availability  
of qualified and experienced 
healthcare staff

Southern Africa

Southern Africa

Regulatory risk

Adverse regulatory and tax 
changes

Switzerland; UAE

Economic and business 
environment

Information systems security  
and availability risk

Information systems security  
and availability risk

Outmigration of care

Switzerland

The investment in group 
initiatives not being successfully 
implemented

Switzerland

Delays in expansion projects

UAE

36

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

RISK MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

in 

This  analysis  showed  that  the  business, 
its 
geographically  diverse  portfolio,  would  be  able  to 
withstand  any  individual  and  certain  combinations 
of  the  severe  but  plausible  scenarios  by  taking 
management  action,  ceteris  paribus,  with  the  key 
mitigating  step  being  a  reduction  in  discretionary 
investment. The Directors therefore have a reasonable 
expectation  that  the  Group  will  be  able  to  continue 
in  operation  and  meet  its  liabilities  as  they  fall  due 
over the five-year period of their detailed assessment, 
ending  in  31  March  2022.  In  making  their  assessment, 
the  Directors  have  assumed  that  there  will  be  no 
material  change  in  the  business  environment  as  such 
assumptions  are  subject  to  a  level  of  uncertainty  and 
judgment  for  which  outcomes  cannot  be  projected 
and foreseen.

Having considered the principal risks and the viability 
assessment,  the  Board  also  considers  it  appropriate 
to  adopt  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  in 
preparing the financial statements.

EFFECTIVENESS OF RISK 
MANAGEMENT PROCESS AND 
SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROL

The Board, via the Audit and Risk Committee, regularly 
receives reports on and considers the activities of the 
internal  and  external  auditors  of  Mediclinic  Southern 
Africa, Hirslanden and Mediclinic Middle East, and the 
Group’s risk management function. The Board, via the 
Audit and Risk Committee, is satisfied that there is an 
effective  risk  management  process  in  place  and  that 
there  is  an  adequate  and  effective  system  of  internal 
control in place to appropriately mitigate the significant 
risks faced by the Group. 

CLINICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

37

CLINICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Mediclinic  provides  a  wide  range  of  clinical  services 
throughout  its  operating  platforms.  The  services 
include  acute  care  inpatient  services,  and  highly 
specialised services, day case surgery, hospital-based 
emergency  centres,  pre-hospital  emergency  services 
and outpatient consultation services. Support services 
include laboratory, radiology and nuclear medicine. 

throughout 

Mediclinic  strives  to  ensure  that  the  clinical  services 
provided 
the  Group  are  efficient, 
effective, appropriate, evidence-based and in line with 
modern  technological  advances.  To  this  end  we  have 
developed a strong focus on measuring and improving 
clinical  performance  throughout  our  organisation.  
A comprehensive set of clinical performance indicators 
are  collected,  measured,  analysed  and  reported  on 
monthly.  These  clinical  performance  reports  outline 
and  track  the  performance  of  healthcare  facilities, 
inform  operational  decisions,  identify  opportunities 
for  clinical  quality  improvement  initiatives  and  inform 
strategic direction. 

During the year under review the clinical performance 
of  the  business  was  satisfactory  across  all  operating 
platforms.  In  addition,  considerable  progress  had 
been  made  in  the  further  development  of  underlying 
structures  and  processes  to  enable  improvements  in 
clinical  performance.  Much  of  the  progress  can  be 
attributed to a strong collaborative effort between the 
clinical services teams of the platforms. 

All indicators included in this Clinical Services Overview 
are reported per calendar year to ensure completeness 
and consistency, as a significant time lag needs to be 
provided for in the collection of clinical data. 

Dr Ronnie van der Merwe
Chief Clinical Officer

This report gives a brief overview of the Group’s clinical 
performance  for  the  year  under  review.  For  a  more  
in-depth description we recommend that the detailed 
Clinical  Services  Report,  available  on  the  Company’s 
website at www.mediclinic.com, should also be read.

CSR

38

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CLINICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

Antimicrobial stewardship 
Antimicrobial  stewardship  is  an  important  activity  in 
the  management  of  HAI  and  antimicrobial  resistance. 
Good  progress  has  been  made  and  all  indicators 
showed a downward trend.

CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS

Clinical  performance  measurement  of  critical  care 
units  (“CCUs”)  has  been  refined  by  implementing 
the  Simplified  Acute  Physiology  Score  (“SAPS”)  3 
physiological  mortality  prediction  model  instead  of 
APACHE®IV  previously  used.  SAPS3  is  statistically 
better suited to the Mediclinic population and gives a 
more accurate prediction of mortality. During 2016, the 
average  mortality  rate  for  patients  admitted  to  CCUs 
was 16.74% compared to the expected mortality rate of 
17.18%. The resultant SAPS3 mortality index was 0.974.

The  30-day  all-cause  re-admission  rate  increased 
by  1.9%  in  2016.  Re-admissions  within  seven  days  of 
discharge accounts for half of these re-admissions and 
remains  a  focus  area  for  improvement.  The  extended 
stay  rate  is  now  expressed  as  an  index,  and  although 
this has remained stable over the last 12 months (1.13 in 
2015 and 2016), it has shown a decreasing trend over 
the second half of 2016.

MEDICLINIC SOUTHERN AFRICA

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE 

PATIENT SAFETY
Mediclinic Southern Africa has a reasonably high case 
mix  and  a  high  case  load  of  infectious  diseases  and 
trauma. The continuous improvement of patient safety 
remains  a  priority  for  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  and 
adverse events, as illustrated in Figure 1, are reported 
and tracked as a barometer of safe patient care.

A significant increase of 37.2% in the medication error 
rate  was  reported  in  2016,  which  is  mainly  attributed 
to  an  initiative  undertaken  by  pharmacy  to  improve 
the  identification  and  reporting  of  medication  errors. 
An  initiative  is  underway  by  pharmacy  services  to 
identify, report and reduce the number of medication 
dispensing errors. 

The  fall  rate  decreased  by  6.1%  in  2016,  while  the  
in-hospital  pressure  ulcer  rate  increased  by  3.8%.  The 
fall rate and in-hospital pressure ulcer rate are regarded 
as  nursing  sensitive  indicators  and  correlate  with  the 
number  and  skills  of  available  nursing  staff.  Nursing 
skills  levels  in  Southern  Africa  have  been  a  challenge 
for  a  few  years,  and  the  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa 
nursing  department  is  strongly  focused  on  improving 
the situation. 

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL 
Healthcare-associated infections 
Healthcare-associated  infections  (“HAI”)  remain  one 
of  the  highest  risks  to  hospitalised  patients.  The  HAI 
rate  reduced  by  15.5%  during  2016  due  to  numerous 
interventions  over  the  last  few  years.  Hand  hygiene 
compliance is an important measure in the prevention 
of HAI and remains stable at 75.3% and a focus area for 
improvement. Refer to Figure 2.

FIGURE 1: ADVERSE EVENTS – MEDICLINIC SOUTHERN AFRICA

FIGURE 2: HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS –  
MEDICLINIC SOUTHERN AFRICA

8
1
.
1

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Calendar year

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLINICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

39

PROGRESS AGAINST OBJECTIVES

FUTURE OBJECTIVES 

Patients First at Mediclinic
•  Updated its patient safety strategy to incorporate 

clinical risk management.

•  Developed and implemented specific training 
initiatives in the areas of operating theatre 
obstetrics and infection control.

•  Reviewed the current nursing management model.
•  Improved the measurement of clinical performance 

through various initiatives.

•  Shared clinical information with doctors.
•  Further reduced infection rates through continuous 

compliance and improvement initiatives.

Integrated care
•  Appointed an additional seven hospital clinical 

managers (total of 11 appointed).

•  Implemented two clinical pathways in orthopaedic 

surgery led by doctors.

•  Developed a comprehensive and integrated 

emergency medicine strategy.

Clinical information systems
•  Collaborated with Mediclinic Middle East and 
Hirslanden to obtain a clear understanding of 
detailed requirements for an electronic health 
record (“EHR”) system along with platform’s 
readiness as part of the preparation work for the 
clinical information system project.

Patients First at Mediclinic
•  Complete the implementation of specific  

patient safety initiatives aimed at preventing 
adverse events.

•  Implement specific training initiatives that  
will further enable staff to drive quality 
improvement continuously.

•  Develop and implement action plans that will 

improve hand hygiene compliance.

•  Develop action plans to improve medication safety.
•  Refine clinical performance measures further.
•  Share more detailed clinical information with 

doctors.

•  Further reduce infection rates through the 

implementation of a comprehensive infection 
prevention and control strategy.

Integrated care
•  Phase in further hospital clinical manager 

appointments.

•  Implement a new clinical performance oversight 
and governance model in collaboration with 
supporting doctors.

•  Develop (in collaboration with supporting  

doctors) and implement more clinical pathways  
led by doctors.

•  Develop a comprehensive and integrated critical 

care strategy.

•  Implement a national stroke management strategy.

Clinical information systems
•  Develop a clinical information readiness strategy 

along with an implementation roadmap.

FIGURE 2: HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS –  

MEDICLINIC SOUTHERN AFRICA

40

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CLINICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

HIRSLANDEN

PROGRESS AGAINST OBJECTIVES

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE 

PATIENT SAFETY
Hirslanden  has  the  highest  case  mix  in  the  Group 
reflecting  the  complexity  of  cases  treated.  However, 
clinical outcomes remain excellent as is demonstrated 
by low infection rates and other outcome measures. 

The fall rate increased by 10.5% in 2016. The increase in 
the rate is believed to be due to an increased awareness 
and  better  reporting,  however,  the  prevention  of  falls 
and a reduction in the reported rate remain focus areas. 
The in-hospital pressure ulcer rate decreased by 5%. 

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Healthcare-associated infections 
During  2016,  all  device-associated  and  surgical  site 
infection  rates  declined  with  significant  reduction  in 
the rates of all three reported indicators. The reduction 
is  partly  related  to  definition  changes,  however, 
a  sustained  focus  on  the  prevention  of  infections 
supports  the  lower  rates.  Figure  3  illustrates  the 
device-associated infections.

tract 

The  catheter-associated  urinary 
infections 
(“CAUTI”)  rate  decreased  by  63.6%  while  the  central 
line-associated  bloodstream 
infections  (“CLABSI”) 
rate  decreased  by  76.5%.  Over  the  last  three  years 
the  ventilator-associated  pneumonia  rate  (“VAP”) 
decreased by 55.8%.

CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS

The  SAPS  II  is  used  to  measure  clinical  outcomes  of 
CCUs. The SAPS II mortality index remains well below 
the Swiss benchmark of 0.33 at 0.20. 

The  unscheduled  re-admission  rate  decreased  by  
3.9%,  which  is  in  line  with  improvement  noticed  in  
other measures.

Patients First at Mediclinic
•  Reviewed the compliance of the hospitals with the 
patient safety policy – the majority of the hospitals 
implemented every item of the policy or was busy 
with the implementation of the remaining items.
•  Checked the adherence to safe surgery checklist 
during unannounced inspections – compared to 
the previous inspection, further improvement  
was noted.

•  Initiated a pilot project on patient-related outcome 
measurement – patients were surveyed on quality 
of life before and after joint replacement. The 
results show a significant improvement of pain  
and movement after the procedure.

Integrated care
•  Compiled a policy on indication quality and  

introduction of indication boards –  
the implementation is planned for 2017.

•  Successfully started the project on the introduction 

of fast track orthopaedics in one of the 
orthopaedic hospitals of the group.

•  Introduced a common structure for highly 

specialised medicine services.

Clinical information systems
•  Compiled the definition of the future 

documentation in catheterisation laboratories 
and emergency departments – the manufacturer 
is busy with the implementation thereof in our 
electronic patient record.

•  Completed the re-evaluation of the radiology 

information system and selected a new system – 
the pilot project has started.

•  Reviewed the integration of medical source 

data and decided to connect this project to the 
Hirslanden transformation exercise.

FIGURE 3: DEVICE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS – HIRSLANDEN

i

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Device–associated infection type

2014

2015

2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLINICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

41

The  collection  of  certain  key  clinical  performance 
indicators  in  the  Al  Noor  facilities  are  mandatory  as 
defined by the Health Authority in Abu Dhabi (“HAAD”). 
The reported indicators have been standardised across 
all  the  facilities  and  is  not  limited  to  the  regulatory 
requirements.  The  clinical  performance  indicators  for 
all  the  facilities  are  reported  on  a  monthly  basis,  and 
include patient safety, infection prevention and control 
as well as clinical effectiveness indicators.

PATIENT SAFETY
Mediclinic Middle East has the lowest case mix index in 
the Group and serves a younger, healthier community. 
Providing  safe  care  remains  a  priority  across  the 
platform.

Figure  4  reflects  the  rate  of  adverse  events  per  
1 000 patient days.

Medication errors increased markedly by 116.7% during 
2016.  The  increase  is  due  to  a  reporting  drive,  with 
the  main  contributor  being  prescribing  errors.  The 
majority  of  the  medication  errors  are  identified,  and 
reported,  by  pharmacy  and  prevented  from  reaching 
the  patients.  The  early  identification  of  prescription 
errors was enabled by a pharmacy initiative, focussing 
on  identification  and  reporting  of  prescription  errors. 
Medication management remains a big focus area for 
the group.

There was an increase in the fall rate from 0.3 to 0.4 per 
1 000 patient days recorded for inpatients during 2016. 
Fall  assessments  and  the  required  interventions  were 
reinforced across the group. 

The rate of inpatient pressure ulcers reduced by 60% 
and can mainly be attributed to the implementation of 
the  appropriate  clinical  risk  prevention  strategies  and 
protocols in all clinical areas.

FUTURE OBJECTIVES

Patients First at Mediclinic
•  Identify patient pathways qualifying for 

standardisation.

•  Introduce a continuous patient experience  

survey for all inpatients.

Integrated care
•  Continue with the definitions of the requirements 

of the system provider model, and develop 
evaluation criteria to determine the introduction 
status per hospital.

Clinical information systems
•  Continue with the rollout of the radiology 
information system in a second hospital.

•  Introduce a standardised documentation approach 

for doctors in the electronic patient record.
•  Continue with the rollout of the patient data 

management system (“PDMS”).

•  Conceptualise the integration of the PDMS and  

the electronic patient record.

MEDICLINIC MIDDLE EAST

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE

Both Mediclinic Middle East and the Al Noor group of 
hospitals  collected  clinical  performance  indicators  for 
the period under review and the combined figures are 
reflected in the graphs below.

FIGURE 4: ADVERSE EVENTS – MEDICLINIC MIDDLE EAST

3
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Adverse event type

2014

2015

2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CLINICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

Integrated care
•  Signed a formal affiliation agreement with 
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Health 
Sciences in Dubai in May 2016 as an accredited 
external training facility for medical students,  
and the first medical students started in  
September 2016.

•  Further developed the current Breast and 

Metabolic centres at Mediclinic City Hospital to 
streamline clinical processes.

•  Successfully commissioned and opened the new 
comprehensive cancer centre in the North Wing 
expansion at Mediclinic City Hospital.

•  Centralised and consolidated the laboratory 

services for the group.

•  Relocated the IVF centre previously in Mediclinic  
Al Noor Hospital to Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital.
•  Reviewed the existing clinical pathways and 

developed additional pathways in preparation for 
the implementation of diagnosis-related groups 
(“DRGs”) and the implementation of a clinical 
information system.

Clinical information systems
•  Selected a new EHR system for the group. 

FUTURE OBJECTIVES

Patients First at Mediclinic
•  Continue to focus on the full integration of clinical 

services of the combined group.

•  Standardise the doctors’ appraisal process for  

the combined group and implement clinical KPIs  
for doctors.

•  Expand and implement new clinical indicators 

across the group.

•  Expand the outcome database participation and 

include obstetrics and gynaecology.

•  Implement a clinical indicator dashboard across  

the group.

•  Formulate the JCI re-accreditation strategy for all 

the facilities in the group for 2019.

•  Continue to develop clinical pathways as part of 
preparing for the implementation of DRGs.

•  Update the quality and patient safety strategy for 

the group.

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Healthcare-associated infections
A  reduction  was  seen  in  most  of  the  measures  and 
this  is  influenced  by  changes  in  the  definition  in  line 
with  the  2016  Centre  for  Disease  Control  guidelines. 
In  addition,  the  platform  has  a  sustained  focus  on 
infection prevention and control and reducing infection 
rates further.

The  HAI  rate  decreased  by  18.8%  in  2016.  The  rate  of 
CAUTI  increased  by  33.3%  over  the  last  12  months, 
however, the actual numbers remain low (seven cases). 
The rate of CLABSI decreased by 37.5% in 2016. 

CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS

Actual  mortality  decreased  by  7.7%  during  the 
period  under  review  and  remained  lower  than  the 
actual  mortality  for  both  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa 
and  Hirslanden.  This  can  be  attributed  to  the  young 
population (average age of 32 years) in the UAE, and 
generally less invasive and complex surgical procedures 
performed than in the other two operating platforms.

Mediclinic  Middle  East  used  the  APACHE®  IV  scoring 
system in the CCUs in the two hospitals in Dubai until 
September  2016.  SAPS3  was  subsequently  rolled 
out  in  all  the  hospitals  in  Mediclinic  Middle  East  in  
October 2016 and reports will be available in the next 
annual report. The APACHE®IV mortality index is 0.62 
and well below 1. 

The re-admission rate decreased by 47.4% from 1.9% to 
1%  in  2016.  All  admission  types,  except  oncology,  are 
included  in  the  calculation.  Comparable  benchmarks 
are not readily available.

PROGRESS AGAINST OBJECTIVES

Patients First at Mediclinic 
•  Appointed patient safety officers, established a 

quality department and updated its patient safety 
strategy.

•  Successfully had all Dubai-based facilities as well  
as the Mediclinic Al Ain hospital re-accredited by 
JCI in 2016.

•  Standardised clinical indicators across the group, 

and created a central repository:
–   the Vermont Oxford databases were 

implemented in all the Al Noor facilities; and

–   the SAPS3 was implemented in all the  

CCUs across the combined group.

•  Combined the clinical services departments of 
the group and implemented clinical oversight 
committee structures.

•  Developed clinical key performance indicators 

(“KPIs”) for doctors.

•  Not implemented, due to infrastructure and 

resource challenges, a clinical dashboard which 
does, however, remain a priority for the future.

 
 
CLINICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

43

Integrated care
•  Formulate a clinical strategy for the units and 

certain key service lines for the combined group 
(comprehensive cancer centre, IVF, metabolic 
centre, cardiology, cosmetics, etc.).

•  Continue to develop the metabolic surgery services 
at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital and prepare for 
accreditation of the centre.

•  Further develop and expand coordinated care 
initiatives across the group (breast centre, 
comprehensive cancer centre, metabolic  
centre, etc.).

•  Continue the centralisation and consolidation 
strategy for laboratory services in the group.
•  Complete the ISO certification for the laboratories 

in the Mediclinic Al Noor hospitals.

•  The measurement of hand hygiene compliance, 
methodology and data collection tool, has been 
standardised across Mediclinic Southern Africa  
and Mediclinic Middle East.

•  A master person index has been developed and 

implemented in Mediclinic Southern Africa for the 
identification of healthy neonates.

•  Initiatives are underway to coordinate health 
technology assessments centrally, and will be 
further refined. 

•  Thought leadership, oversight and close 

collaboration has been provided in the selection 
of an EHR system in the Middle East and Southern 
African platforms. 

•  Continued collaboration and support are provided 
to Hirslanden with the implementation of their  
EHR system.

Clinical information systems
•  Implement the newly selected HER system across 
the group, over a three-year period, starting  
mid-2017. 

MEDICLINIC INTERNATIONAL

Mediclinic International’s Clinical Services Department 
consists  of  a  small  team  that  coordinates  clinical 
services  across  the  platforms.  The  team  provides 
strategic  direction,  oversight  and  accountability, 
coordinates  collaboration  across  operating  platforms 
and are directly involved in selected projects. 

PROGRESS AGAINST CURRENT 
OBJECTIVES

•  The first phase of a master data management 

programme, compiling and governing data relating 
to doctors, has been concluded in Southern Africa.

•  The migration from APACHE®IV to SAPS3, 

intensive care outcome measurement tool, has 
been completed in Mediclinic Southern Africa and 
Mediclinic Middle East.

•  Clinical operational dashboards have been  
refined, and an obstetric management  
operational dashboard developed for the  
Southern African platform.

FUTURE OBJECTIVES

•  Refine clinical performance measures.
•  Establish a patient safety sub-committee to 
standardise and enhance collaboration. 
•  Coordinate collaboration of nursing services  

across operating platforms.

•  Coordinate collaboration of clinical risk 

management across operating platforms.
•  Source a clinical adverse event and clinical  
risk management solution suitable for all  
operating platforms.

•  Continue to provide thought leadership, oversight 
and close collaboration in the selection of an EHR 
system in Mediclinic Southern Africa. 

•  Continued to collaborate and provide support to 
Mediclinic Middle East and Hirslanden with the 
implementation of their EHR systems.

•  Refine and optimise the clinical governance 
structure to enforce the “Ward-to-Board” 
accountability framework across the Group.

44

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – SWITZERLAND

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – SWITZERLAND

CEO’S STATEMENT

“During the year, Hirslanden once again successfully 
increased  both  its  turnover  and  the  underlying 
EBITDA. In the saturated Swiss healthcare market, 
strong  growth  is  only  possible  with  a  forward-
looking  investment  strategy.  At  Hirslanden,  this 
strategy includes investments in our core business 
at the hospitals, as well as rounding out our range 
of  services  in  the  outpatient  sector.  Hirslanden 
will  therefore  continue  its  transformation  from 
being  purely  a  hospital  operator  to  becoming 
an  integrated  healthcare  provider  that  offers 
medical  services  across  various  levels  of  care. 
The  improved  EBITDA  is  the  result  of  increased 
productivity  and  efficiency  achieved  by  the 
ongoing 
standardised 
structures  and  processes  throughout  the  entire 
Group.  In  addition  to  our  relentless  focus  on 
medical quality and patient satisfaction, improving 
efficiency is a key part of Hirslanden’s approach: 
the ongoing improvement of patient value.

implementation 

of 

Looking  forward,  the  public  policy  environment 
creates  a  number  of  uncertainties  and  risks.  
For instance, another tariff reduction is expected 
in  the  outpatient  sector.  Meanwhile  the  shift 
towards  outpatient  treatment  continues  and 
regulations are currently being drafted to ensure 
that in future certain procedures are only carried 
out  in  an  outpatient  setting.  In  the  canton  of 
Zurich,  a  special  tax  on  services  for  privately 
insured inpatients was fortunately rejected.

Despite these challenges and uncertainties, as the 
largest  private  medical  network  in  Switzerland, 
Hirslanden is well positioned to take advantage of 
future  opportunities  for  growth,  and  will  remain 
a  source  of  clinical  excellence  for  the  wider 
Mediclinic Group.”

Dr Ole Wiesinger
Chief Executive Officer: Hirslanden

KEY STATISTICS

16

4

NUMBER OF 
HOSPITALS

NUMBER OF 
CLINICS

1 677

NUMBER 
OF BEDS

97

9 402

NUMBER OF 
THEATRES

NUMBER OF 
EMPLOYEES*

*  6 722 full-time equivalents

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – SWITZERLAND

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

45

KEY FINANCIAL AND 
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 

Hirslanden accounted for 48% of the Group’s revenues 
(2016:  54%)  and  53%  of  its  underlying  EBITDA  
(2016: 52%).

As  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period,  Hirslanden 
operated 16 hospitals and 4 clinics with a total of 1 677 
inpatient  beds  and  9  402  employees  (6  722  full-time 
equivalents). It is the largest private acute care hospital 
group in Switzerland servicing approximately one third 
of inpatients treated in Swiss private hospitals. 

During  the  period  under  review,  revenues  increased 
by  3%  to  CHF1  704m  (2016:  CHF1  657m).  This  was 
driven  by  a  1.7%  growth  in  inpatient  admissions. 
The  reduction  in  both  bed  days  sold  (-0.7%)  and 
the  average  length  of  stay  (-2.3%)  was  offset  by  an 
increase  of  3.0%  in  the  average  revenue  per  bed 
day  sold.  This  is  largely  due  to  an  increase  in  the 
average  severity  of  cases,  with  an  increasing  number 
of  doctors  performing  complex  procedures  at  
Hirslanden  hospitals.  Outpatient  revenues  increased 
by  9%  and  now  contributes  nearly  20%  to  overall 
Hirslanden revenues. 

Underlying  EBITDA  increased  by  5%  to  CHF340m 
(2016:  CHF325m)  with 
the  underlying  EBITDA 
margin increasing from 19.7% to 20.0% due to several 
productivity  measures  and  cost  savings  initiatives 
implemented  during  the  year  and  an  underlying 
tariff  provision  release  of  CHF8m.  These  were  offset 
by  continued  investment  in  Hirslanden  2020  and  the 
ongoing  shift  in  patient  mix  from  semi  and  private 
to  basic  insured.  Operating  profit  increased  by  7%  to 
CHF259m  (2016:  CHF243m).  Hirslanden  contributed 
£121m to the Group’s underlying earnings compared to 
£101m in the prior year.

Hirslanden  invested  CHF74m  in  expansion  capital 
projects  and  new  equipment  and  CHF89m  on  the 
replacement  of  existing  equipment  and  upgrade 
projects as well as investments in Hirslanden 2020 and 
relocation  of  the  corporate  head  office.  In  April  2016, 
Hirslanden  Clinique  Cecil  in  Lausanne  opened  a  new 
hybrid  operating  theatre  and  an  outpatient  surgery 
unit. In August 2016, Hirslanden Klinik Aarau opened its 
third cardiac catheterisation laboratory. At Hirslanden 
Klinik  St.  Anna  and  Hirslanden  Klinik  Stephanshorn, 
two new modular operating theatres were completed 
in  October  and  December  2016,  respectively.  Further 
important  development  projects  completed  included 
new  doctors’  consulting 
for  Hirslanden 
Clinique  La  Colline,  restructuring  of  radiology  for 
Hirslanden  Klinik  Stephanshorn  and  restructuring  of 
the sterilisation unit for Hirslanden Klinik Permanence. 
Hirslanden  Klinik  Im  Park  in  Zurich  opened  its  new 
outpatient surgery centre in April 2017, which includes 
a ward for procedures requiring short inpatient stays. 
Building work commenced on an expanded emergency 
department  for  Klinik  Hirslanden  in  Zürich  and  there 
are  plans  for  a  range  of  other  expansion  projects  to 
increase the business’ capacity.

rooms 

During  the  year,  Hirslanden 
increased  efficiency 
in  various  areas  of  the  business.  Supply  costs  and 
labour  costs  were  successfully  reduced,  while  more 
focused  management  led  to  increased  utilisation  of 
our  infrastructure.  Hirslanden  is  focused  on  achieving 
further  efficiency  gains  and  optimisation,  leveraging 
off the broader Group’s economies of scale to manage 
cost pressures.

CHF1 704M
+3%

REVENUE

CHF340M
+5%

UNDERLYING EBITDA

-0.7%

BED DAYS SOLD

76.2%

BED OCCUPANCY

+3.0%

AVERAGE REVENUE PER BED DAY

86%

PATIENT SATISFACTION*

3.91

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
(grand mean score based on a 1 to 5 rating scale)

* 

 The patient satisfaction results of Hirslanden are not 
comparable with the results of Mediclinic Southern Africa and 
Mediclinic Middle East as the Group’s standardised Patient 
Experience Index has not been rolled out to Hirslanden. 
The results of Hirslanden are based on the ANQ (the Swiss 
National Association for Quality Development) satisfaction 
survey and relates to the number of patients who would 
absolutely recommend Hirslanden to family and friends. 

46

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – SWITZERLAND

There  were  a  number  of  regulatory  developments  in 
Switzerland  during  the  year.  In  April  2017,  the  Zurich 
Cantonal Parliament voted not to approve the proposed 
VVG  levy.  As  part  of  a  Cantonal  budget  review  and 
cost  savings  initiative,  the  Canton  had  proposed  a 
levy  to  be  introduced  based  on  the  proportion  of 
privately  insured  patients  treated  in  listed  hospitals. 
This  complex  matter  went  through  an  extended 
legislative  process  and  Hirslanden  engaged  with  the 
relevant public authorities to raise concerns regarding 
the  process,  equality  and  the  impact  the  proposed 
levy  would  have  had  on  the  business.  Hirslanden  will 
continue to monitor developments in the canton whilst 
maintaining  its  dialogue  and  engagement  with  the 
relevant  public  authorities  to  ensure  that  it  can,  on  a 
sustainable  basis,  deliver  high-quality,  cost-efficient, 
healthcare to patients.

The  national  outpatient  tariff  (“TARMED”)  is  still  in 
revision  and  the  current  tariff  structure  is  valid  until 
the  end  of  the  2017  calendar  year.  The  Swiss  Federal 
Government  has  released  proposed  adjustments  to 
TARMED  as  a  transitional  solution  whilst  healthcare 
providers and funders continue to negotiate and agree 
a  revised  tariff  structure.  The  government  proposal 
is  targeting  annual  savings  of  around  CHF700m 
across  the  public  and  private  outpatient  sectors. 
Outpatient  services  contribute  approximately  20% 
of  Hirslanden  revenues,  at  around  CHF300m  in  the 
period  under  review.  Based  on  initial  analyses  of  the 
complex  proposal,  the  expected  annualised  impact 
on Hirslanden outpatient revenues is around CHF30m 
before  any  mitigating  actions  are  considered.  These 
mitigations  could  include  improved  utilisation  and 
increased  efficiencies  that  would  help  to  reduce  the 
impact  of  the  transitional  solutions  proposed  by  
the  Federal  Government  on  the  underlying  EBITDA 
and margins of the business. Due to its implementation 
date  on  1  January  2018,  the  impact  on  Hirslanden  is 
expected to be limited in the next financial year.

MARKET OVERVIEW

The Swiss healthcare market is one of the best funded 
in the developed world and continues to grow steadily. 
Hirslanden  is  the  largest  medical  network  and  the 
largest  private  hospital  group  in  Switzerland,  and 
works  effectively  within  a  high-quality  healthcare 
system where the population enjoys freedom of choice 
and high-quality services in both the public and private 
sector. A survey, financed by the Commonwealth Fund 
and conducted in eleven countries, found that 60% of 
respondents in Switzerland rated the Swiss functioning 
of  the  healthcare  system  as  “good”  or  “very  good”. 
66%  considered  the  medical  care  provided  as  either 
“excellent” or “very good”. Of the 11 countries surveyed, 
Switzerland had the best response.

Hirslanden’s main competitors are the public hospitals. 
Many  of  these  will  improve  their  infrastructure  in  the 
coming years. According to publicly available sources, 
CHF16bn  is  earmarked  for  the  construction  and 
renovation of hospital buildings.

Additional  challenges 
include  working  within  an 
environment  regulated  by  26  cantons  that  supervise 
and  manage  hospitals  and  ensure  their  funding  in 
collaboration  with  the  mandatory  health  insurance. 
Besides  the  regulation  of  the  inpatient  sector  the 
cantons 
in  the  outpatient 
market by defining lists of medical interventions to be 
performed ambulatory or by establishing a moratorium 
for foreign doctors. 

increasingly 

intervene 

OUTLOOK

focus  on 
There  continues  to  be  a  significant 
the  shift  of  basic  medical  treatments  from  the 
inpatient  to  the  outpatient  sector  (“outmigration”).  
The  Federal  Government  is  preparing  a  framework 
for the outmigration of services, likely to be ready for 
implementation from 1 January 2018, across Switzerland. 
The Zurich Cantonal Parliament, in April 2017, approved 
an amendment to the cantonal hospital law, providing 
a legal basis for the cantonal government to create a 
list of interventions that in future should  generally  be 
treated  as  outpatient  rather  than  inpatient  services. 
The  final  list  of  interventions  will  be  agreed  following 
a  working  group  review.  In  the  Canton  of  Lucerne 
similar measures are expected to be implemented from  
1 July 2017. 

Hirslanden is responding to the trend of outmigration 
with  the  opening  of  new  outpatient  facilities  and 
the  creation  of  an  integrated  medical  network  that 
facilitates  the  access  to  healthcare  for  patients.  This 
is  also  important  because  outpatient  clinics  are  a  
well-established route for the subsequent allocation of 
patients to hospitals and specialists. The establishment 
of  outpatient  facilities  is  part  of  the  Hirslanden  2020 
strategic  programme.  This  programme  has  two 
main  goals:  to  increase  the  efficiency  of  the  existing 
business  by  implementing  standardised  systems  and 
processes;  and  to  develop  new  areas  of  business, 
such  as  outpatient  facilities.  Having  opened  the 
new  outpatient  surgery  centre  at  Klinik  Im  Park, 
Hirslanden  will  also  open  two  new  medical  centres  in 
Zurich  (Seefeldstrasse)  and  Cham  (canton  of  Zug)  in 
spring 2018 and a further one at Schuppis (canton of  
St. Gallen) in 2019.

investment 
Given  the  external  environment,  the 
programme  within  Hirslanden  and  the  potential  for 
increased  synergies,  the  platform  is  well-positioned 
to  maintain  its  status  as  the  largest  medical  network 
in  Switzerland  while  continuing  to  improve  patient 
satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – SOUTHERN AFRICA

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

47

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – SOUTHERN AFRICA

CEO’S STATEMENT

“Mediclinic Southern Africa delivered satisfactory 
operational  and  financial  results  for  the  period 
under review in challenging market conditions. We 
have continued to make good progress with the 
roll  out  of  further  strategic  initiatives  to  improve 
clinical performance and the patient’s experience 
and we gained momentum in the development of 
an integrated healthcare system provider concept 
through  the  introduction  of  a  number  of  new 
initiatives. Mediclinic Southern Africa successfully 
followed  its  incremental  growth  strategy  by 
adding  78  acute  care  beds  at  existing  hospitals. 
We  continued  to  address  a  number  of  matters 
in  the  wider  business  environment,  specifically 
the  Health  Market  Inquiry  and  National  Health 
Insurance developments.”

Koert Pretorius
Chief Executive Officer: Mediclinic Southern Africa

KEY STATISTICS

52

NUMBER OF 
HOSPITALS

2

NUMBER 
OF DAY 
CLINICS

8 095

NUMBER OF 
LICENSED 
BEDS

278

16 848

NUMBER OF 
THEATRES

NUMBER OF 
EMPLOYEES*

*  20 349 full-time equivalents, which includes 3 501 agency staff

48

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – SOUTHERN AFRICA

KEY FINANCIAL AND 
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 

Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  accounted  for  28%  of  the 
Group’s revenue (2016: 31%) and 33% of its underlying 
EBITDA (2016: 32%).

In  Southern  Africa  (including  South  Africa  and 
Namibia),  as  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period, 
Mediclinic  operated  52  hospitals  and  two  day  clinics 
with a total of 8 095 beds and 16 848 employees. The 
platform is the third largest private hospital provider in 
Southern Africa.

During the period under review, revenue increased by 
7%  to  ZAR14  367m  (2016:  ZAR13  450m).  Bed  days 
sold  and  average  revenue  per  bed  day  increased  by 
0.8%  and  5.8%,  respectively.  Admissions  increased  
by 0.6% with growth in medical cases partially offset 
by a decrease in surgical day cases as the outmigration 
trend continues. The average length of stay increased 
by 0.2%. 

investment 

Underlying  EBITDA  increased  by  6%  to  ZAR3  049m 
(2016: ZAR2 877m) resulting in the underlying EBITDA 
margin  decreasing  from  21.4%  to  21.2%  due  to  the 
ongoing  shift  in  mix  towards  medical  versus  surgical 
cases,  wage  and  cost  inflation,  including  higher  price 
increases  on  pharmaceuticals  (sold  at  zero  margin) 
in  additional  clinical  personnel. 
and 
Operating  profit  increased  by  15%  to  ZAR2  584m  
(2016:  ZAR2  252m).  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa 
contributed £67m to the Group’s underlying earnings 
compared  to  £63m  in  the  prior  year,  impacted  by 
an  additional  ZAR182m  (£10m)  interest  charge  on 
additional debt following the refinance of the Group’s 
bridge loan. 

Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  invested  ZAR790m  on 
expansion  capital  projects  and  new  equipment  and 
ZAR515m  on  the  replacement  of  existing  equipment 
and upgrade projects. The number of beds increased 
by  78  taking  the  total  number  of  beds  to  8  095.  Key 
projects completed during the year were at Mediclinic 
Upington,  Mediclinic  Worcester,  Mediclinic  Emfuleni 
and  Mediclinic  Windhoek.  The  building  projects  in 
progress are expected to add some 54 additional beds 
by the end of FY18, taking the total number of licensed 
beds  across  the  operating  platform  to  8  149.  Several 
additional  building  projects  are  due  for  completion 
in  FY19  and  FY20,  which  are  expected  to  add  some  
350 additional beds in both existing facilities and new 
day clinics.

During FY16, Mediclinic Southern Africa announced the 
proposed acquisition of a controlling share in Matlosana 
Medical Health Services Proprietary Limited (“MMHS”), 
based  in  Klerksdorp  in  the  North-West  Province  of 
South  Africa.  MMHS  owns  two  multi-disciplinary 
hospitals,  Wilmed  Park  Hospital  (144  licensed  beds) 
and  Sunningdale  Hospital  (62  licensed  beds),  as  well 
as a 51% share in Parkmed Neuro Clinic, a psychiatric 
hospital (50 licensed beds). This proposed acquisition 
supports  Mediclinic’s  core  focus  of  providing  acute 
care,  multi-disciplinary  specialist  hospital  services. 
Although  substantially  completed,  the  transaction 

R14 367M
+7%

REVENUE

R3 049M
+6%

UNDERLYING EBITDA

+0.8%

BED DAYS SOLD 

71.5%

BED OCCUPANCY

+5.8%

AVERAGE REVENUE PER BED DAY

81.9%

PATIENT EXPERIENCE INDEX

3.73

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
(grand mean score based on a 1 to 5 rating scale)

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – SOUTHERN AFRICA

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

49

remains  subject  to  approval  by  the  competition 
authorities. 
In  January  2017,  Mediclinic  Southern 
Africa  also  announced  the  proposed  acquisition  of  a  
50% + 1 share interest in Life Path Health, which operates 
seven  mental  health  facilities  and  is  in  the  process  of 
establishing  three  further  facilities,  with  applications 
approved  by  Department  of  Health  for  further  
facilities.  This  transaction  is  subject  to  a  number  of 
conditions precedent.

EFFICIENCY AND OTHER 
DEVELOPMENTS

Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  progressed  with  several 
improvements to its core processes during the period 
under  review.  The  new  SAP  solution  for  financial  and 
central procurement processes was successfully rolled 
out to 32 Mediclinic Southern Africa hospitals. 

survey 

second 

In  addition,  the  platform  introduced  action  plans 
to  improve  employee  engagement  and  conducted  
Employee  
the 
improve 
Index.  Detailed  plans 
Engagement 
employee  engagement  were  successful  in  improving 
employee  engagement  to  3.73  (2016:  3.67)  during 
the  year  (the  grand  mean  score  based  on  a  1  to  
5 rating scale).

through 

its 

to 

MARKET OVERVIEW

Growth in the South African private healthcare market 
has stagnated due to elevated political uncertainty, low 
economic growth and a lack of job creation. The market 
offers  isolated  incremental  growth  opportunities  to 
expand  existing  hospitals,  and  to  build  new  hospitals 
and day clinics. Challenges include lowering healthcare 
costs  across  the  value  chain  in  a  fragmented  market, 
whilst  at  the  same  time  improving  outcomes  for 
patients,  attracting  and  retaining  qualified  staff  and 
investing in infrastructure and medical technology.

The Competition Commission is currently undertaking 
a  market  inquiry  into  the  private  healthcare  sector  in 
South  Africa  to  understand  both  whether  there  are 
features  of  the  sector  that  prevent,  distort  or  restrict 
competition  and  how  competition  in  the  sector  can 

be  promoted.  The  inquiry  was  due  to  publish  its 
recommendations in December 2016, but has advised 
of  further  delays  with  the  HMI  now  guiding  that  the 
final  publication  is  expected  at  the  end  of  the  2017 
calendar year. Mediclinic has submitted documentation 
to  the  inquiry  and  will  continue  to  engage  with  all 
stakeholders as draft documents are published through 
the year to achieve an agreeable outcome.

The  South  African  Government  is  seeking  to  address 
the shortcomings of the public health system through 
the phased introduction of a National Health Insurance 
system  over  a  14-year  period.  A  draft  White  Paper 
outlining  the  financing  and  design  of  the  envisaged 
system  has  been  released  for  consultation  and 
Mediclinic  has  submitted  comprehensive  comments. 
However, there remain a large number of obstacles that 
still need to be addressed before greater clarity about 
the outcomes can be communicated.

OUTLOOK

Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  remains  well  positioned 
to  face  the  significant  challenges  that  exist  in  the 
business  environment,  such  as  increasing  regulatory 
oversight, slow economic growth, a fragmented private 
healthcare delivery model and a shortage of healthcare 
professionals.  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  remains 
cautiously optimistic about its prospects in the region. 

The  private  healthcare  industry  has  reached  maturity 
with  limited  opportunities  for  growth  of  the  current 
business. Future growth will focus on related business 
opportunities, for example mental health and primary 
care.

The  focus  in  the  coming  year  will  be  on  further 
developing the operating platform’s strategy to position 
itself for future value-based contracting opportunities. 
The  platform  will  continue  to  focus  strategically  on 
the value that it delivers to patients, by continuing to 
improve  the  safety  and  quality  of  its  clinical  care,  the 
quality  of  the  patient  experience,  and  opportunities 
to  improve  operational  efficiency.  The  platform  will 
also continue to focus on opportunities to develop an 
integrated Southern African private healthcare delivery 
model for the future.

50

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

CEO’S STATEMENT

“The  Middle  East  platform  faced  significant 
challenges  during  the  period  under  review  due 
to unexpected regulatory changes in Abu Dhabi, 
increased  competition,  and  the  process  of 
aligning the Al Noor business with the operational 
and  commercial  practices  of 
the  overall  
Mediclinic  Group  following  the  Combination  in 
February  2016.  This  has  impacted  our  financial 
performance  and,  together  with  the  forecast 
continued  lower  economic  growth  in  the  UAE, 
our short-term growth expectations in the region. 
During the year, however, we implemented various 
initiatives to effectively deal with these challenges 
which,  combined  with  the  decision  of  the  
Abu  Dhabi  Government  to  reverse  co-payments 
by  Thiqa  members,  the  introduction  of  new 
facilities and services and the ongoing upgrade of 
existing units, places Mediclinic Middle East on a 
more sustainable and long-term growth path.”

David Hadley
Chief Executive Officer: Mediclinic Middle East

KEY STATISTICS

6

31

NUMBER OF 
HOSPITALS

NUMBER OF 
CLINICS

714

NUMBER 
OF BEDS

30

6 375

NUMBER OF 
THEATRES

NUMBER OF 
EMPLOYEES

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

51

KEY FINANCIAL AND 
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 

Mediclinic  Middle  East  accounted  for  24%  of  the 
Group’s revenues (2016: 16%) and 15% of its underlying 
EBITDA (2016: 16%).

In the Middle East, as at the end of the reporting period, 
the  combined  business  operated  6  hospitals  and  
31 clinics with a total of 714 beds and 6 375 employees. 
The  platform  is  one  of  the  largest  private  healthcare 
providers in the UAE with the majority of its operations 
in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (including Al Ain).

The  Mediclinic  Middle  East  financial  results  represent 
the  combined  business  for  FY17.  In  FY16,  Al  Noor’s 
results were only consolidated from 15 February 2016. 

During  the  period  under  review,  revenue  increased  by 
72%  to  AED3  109m  (2016:  AED1  802m).  The  existing 
Dubai  business  increased  revenue  by  5%  including 
the  related  ramp  up  benefit  from  the  new  Mediclinic 
City  Hospital  North  Wing.  However,  the  Abu  Dhabi 
business underperformed, down 19% compared to the 
prior  year  pro  forma  revenue.  On  a  pro  forma  basis, 
inpatient  admissions  and  day  cases  declined  by  4.8% 
and  outpatient  attendance  decreased  by  9.7%.  Bed 
days sold decreased by 6.2%. Abu Dhabi inpatient and 
outpatient volumes were down 12% and 14% respectively 
versus  the  prior  year  due  to  the  unforeseen  changes 
in the regulatory environment with the introduction of 
a  co-payment  on  local  Thiqa  insurance  card  holders,  
a need to align Al Noor with the sustainable business and 
operational  practices  of  the  Group,  doctor  vacancies, 
increased competition and the sale of several non-core 
assets. Thiqa patient volume declines were greater than 
other insurance categories in Abu Dhabi with inpatients 
down 33% and outpatients down 31%.

Underlying  EBITDA  decreased  by  5%  to  AED364m 
(2016: AED384m) and the underlying EBITDA margin 
decreased to 11.7% from 21.3%. Despite good progress 
made  in  respect  of  the  integration  benefits  from 
the  combination,  this  was  more  than  offset  by  the 
revenue  shortfall.  Operating  profit  decreased  by  58% 
to AED134m (2016: AED321m). Mediclinic Middle East 
contributed £33m to the Group’s underlying earnings 
compared to £57m in the comparative period.

In  early  June  2016,  the  platform  amended  and 
increased the existing debt facilities to AED1 012bn (of 
which  AED220m  remains  undrawn)  from  AED282m 
in  the  prior  year,  to  refinance  the  bridge  loan  facility,  
as  well  as  to  continue  to  fund  existing  expansion 
projects across the UAE. 

The provision for impairment of receivables increased by 
AED113m (AED89m relating to Abu Dhabi receivables) 
and  was  charged  to  the  income  statement.  In  FY16, 
AED25m  (AED9m  relating  to  Abu  Dhabi  receivables) 
was  charged  to  the  income  statement.  Furthermore, 
an opening balance sheet adjustment of AED73m was 
made to the Al Noor receivables to finalise the Al Noor 
purchase price allocation. 

AED3 109m
+72%

REVENUE

AED364m
-5%

UNDERLYING EBITDA

-6.2%

BED DAYS SOLD

-2.3%

AVERAGE REVENUE PER BED DAY

82.4%

PATIENT EXPERIENCE INDEX

3.92

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
(grand mean score based on a 1 to 5 rating scale)

52

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIVISIONAL REVIEW – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ARABIAN GULF

QATAR

Al Madar Medical Centre

Al Fardan Clinic

Mediclinic Al Qusais

Mediclinic Welcare Hospital

Mediclinic City Hospital

Mediclinic Dubai Mall

Mediclinic Al Sufouh

Mediclinic Beach Road

Mediclinic Ibn Battuta

Mediclinic Meadows

Mediclinic Arabian Ranches
Manchester Clinic

Mediclinic Mirdif

ABU DHABI

OMAN

RAS
AL-KHAIMAH

AJMAN

SHARJAH

FUJAIRAH

DUBAI

Mediclinic Baniyas
ICAD Medical Centre
Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital

Sanaya Clinic

Mediclinic Aspetar

Mediclinic Corniche

Mediclinic Mussafah

Mediclinic Al Mamoura

Mediclinic Al Bateen

Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital

AL AIN

Mediclinic Ghayathi

Mediclinic Al Mirfa

ENEC Clinic

SAUDI ARABIA

Mediclinic Madinat Zayed

Al Madar Diagnostic Centre
Mediclinic Al Madar

Mediclinic Al Hili
Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital
Mediclinic Zakher
Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital
Mediclinic Al Bawadi
Mediclinic Al Yahar

OMAN

 Clinics 

 Hospitals

Mediclinic Middle East invested AED188m on expansion 
capital  projects  and  new  equipment  and  AED57m  on 
the  replacement  of  existing  equipment  and  upgrade 
projects.  The  major  components  of  the  expansion 
capital  expenditure  were  the  Mediclinic  City  Hospital 
North Wing and Mediclinic Parkview Hospital projects 
in  Dubai.  The  former  was  successfully  opened  in  
September  2016  and  houses,  amongst  other 
disciplines, the Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Dubai’s 
most advanced facility for the diagnosis and treatment 
of  cancer,  built  in  association  with  Hirslanden  in 
Switzerland. Patient volumes since opening the North 
Wing  have  been  encouraging.  Construction  of  the 
Parkview Hospital, the seventh hospital of the platform, 
is  progressing  well  and  is  on  track  to  be  completed 
in  the  fourth  quarter  of  the  financial  year  ending  
31 March 2019.

As  part  of  the  ongoing  investment  in  the  region,  a 
partner  was  selected  for  an  Electronic  Health  Record 
system  which  will  be  implemented  over  the  coming 
years.  By  creating  unified  records  for  patients, 
regardless  of  which  facility  they  receive  treatment  at, 
the system will enable the business to deliver improved 
service quality and seamless care for patients.

The  regulatory  environment  in  the  Middle  East  had 
a  significant  impact  on  the  platform’s  performance 
this year. On 30 June 2016, the Health Authority Abu 
Dhabi (“HAAD”) announced a number of amendments 
to  Abu  Dhabi’s  health  insurance  programmes  with 
immediate  effect  as  of  1  July  2016.  Changes  to  the 
Thiqa  plan  (health  insurance  for  UAE  Nationals  or 
others  of  similar  status  in  Abu  Dhabi)  stipulated 
that  patients  receive  80%  coverage  of  the  fees  for 

outpatient  and  inpatient  services  provided  by  private 
healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi (previously 100% for 
most services). It was mandatory for private healthcare 
providers to collect the full co-payment from patients, 
which  Mediclinic  adhered  to  with  immediate  effect. 
A  further  change  saw  the  Thiqa  plan  cover  only 
50%  of  the  cost  if  patients  sought  medical  services 
outside Abu Dhabi (including Dubai and the Northern 
Emirates).  In  Dubai,  UAE  nationals  are  covered  under 
the ENAYA and SAADA health insurance programme, 
under  the  supervision  of  the  Dubai  Health  Authority, 
with  a  10%  co-payment  for  inpatient  and  outpatient 
services  in  public  and  private  sector.  As  mentioned, 
these  changes  had  a  significant  impact  on  the  Thiqa 
patient  volumes  in  the  Abu  Dhabi  business.  However, 
on  26  April  2017,  following  a  period  of  engagement 
with various authorities and stakeholders, His Highness 
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince 
of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the 
UAE  Armed  Forces,  ordered  the  waiving  of  the  20% 
Thiqa co-payment when receiving treatment at private 
healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi, with immediate effect. 
It was also confirmed that the co-payment for services 
provided to Thiqa patients outside of Abu Dhabi would 
be reduced from 50% to 10%. Preparations are ongoing 
for  the  introduction  of  diagnosis-related  groups  in 
Dubai expected to be implemented in April 2018. The 
platform continues to maintain an active dialogue with 
government  authorities  on  regulatory  changes  within 
the UAE healthcare sector.

A  key  focus  during  the  year  has  been  integrating  the 
Abu  Dhabi-based  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  with  the 
established  Mediclinic  Middle  East  business  in  Dubai. 

 
DIVISIONAL REVIEW – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

53

The regional management team successfully addressed 
a  number  of  key  issues  including  the  establishment 
of  a  clear  operational  and  clinical  strategy  in  Abu 
Dhabi,  doctor  vacancies,  integrating  the  functional 
departments  of  the  two  businesses,  conforming 
revenue  cycle  management  with  the  Middle  East 
business,  identifying  synergies  in  procurement  and 
headcount and consolidating the two corporate offices 
and executive management teams. The Group remains 
on track to generate annualised synergies of AED75m 
from  the  combined  Middle  East  business.  Some  
136 new doctor appointments were made in the Middle 
East during FY17 and a further 52 doctors are currently 
in the process of recruitment helping to fill the vacant 
positions that resulted from the departure of doctors in 
the 12 months leading up to the Al Noor combination 
and at the start of FY17.

As  part  of  an  extensive  review  of  the  Abu  Dhabi 
business, certain units, non-core to the central strategy 
of  the  platform,  were  identified  for  divestment.  The 
Group  has  classified  AED42m  assets  and  AED9m 
liabilities as held for sale in relation to these units. The 
platform  completed  the  sale  of  Rochester  Wellness, 
consisting of two clinics in Dubai and Oman, to Emirates 
Health during the year. In November 2016, the platform 
completed the sale of Gulf International Cancer Centre 
to  Proton  Partners  International.  The  construction  of  
a new hospital in the Western Region was postponed.

Several new facilities were opened in Abu Dhabi during 
the  year.  These  included  the  Mediclinic  Al  Jowhara 
Hospital  (formerly  Al  Noor  Hospital  –  Al  Jowhara),  
a  51-bed  multi-disciplinary  hospital  in  Al  Ain  that 
was  delayed  by  several  months,  clinics  in  Ghayathi 
(Western  Region)  and  Al  Yahar  (Al  Ain),  as  well  as 
the  Aspetar  Clinic  (Al  Ain).  The  Khalifa  City  A  Clinic 
was  opened  in  April  2017.  Areas  of  opportunity  were 
identified  in  Abu  Dhabi,  including  the  expansion 
and  redevelopment  of  Mediclinic  Al  Noor  Hospital 
(formerly  Al  Noor  Hospital  –  Khalifa  Street)  and  the 
creation  of  a  new  Comprehensive  Cancer  Centre  at 
Mediclinic  Airport  Road  Hospital  (formerly  Al  Noor 
Hospital  –  Airport  Road).  In  September  2016,  the 
platform completed the purchase of the remaining 25% 
interest in the Al Madar group of clinics, based in Abu 
Dhabi.  The  important  strategic  decision  to  rebrand  
Al  Noor 
in  
February  2017  reflecting  the  ongoing  and  future 
investment  in  the  Abu  Dhabi  business.  The  project 
commenced  in  April  2017  and  due  to  regulatory 
requirements,  is  expected  to  take  approximately  one 
year to complete. As a result of the rebranding decision, 
an  accelerated  amortisation  charge  of  AED36m  in 
connection with the acquired Al Noor trade name asset 
has  been  recognised  during  the  period  under  review. 
The remaining balance of the trade name will be fully 
amortised in FY18. The accelerated amortisation charge 
has been excluded in determining underlying earnings.

to  Mediclinic  was 

facilities 

taken 

MARKET OVERVIEW

The region continues to witness economic uncertainty 
owing  to  influences  such  as  the  strength  of  the 
United  States  dollar  which  is  affecting  the  tourism 
and property market in particular, rising interest rates, 
weakened consumer sentiment, and the continuing low 
oil  price  which,  although  stabilising  in  recent  months 
at  around  USD55  per  barrel,  still  remains  well  below 
the levels seen in the UAE’s more prosperous periods. 
Despite  this,  population  growth  is  expected  to  drive 
domestic demand in the next year, albeit at a reduced 
rate. Growth rates are expected to accelerate slightly in 
Dubai as Expo 2020 draws closer but not to the levels 
experienced in 2012 to 2014.

Within  the  region’s  healthcare  market,  the  increased 
involvement  of  government  authorities  in  the  private 
sector  and  its  introduction  of  stricter  regulatory 
controls,  continue  to  affect  the  market.  This  remains 
a  significant  challenge  to  Mediclinic  Middle  East, 
along  with  persisting  economic  uncertainty,  rising 
costs  and  increased  competition.  The  true  impact 
of  the  proposed  introduction  of  value-added  tax  in  
January 2018 also needs to be assessed, as well as the 
effects of a possible introduction of corporate tax in the  
medium term.

Opportunities  for  the  business  lie  within  Mediclinic 
Middle  East’s  own  areas  of  development,  including 
bringing  newly-opened  facilities  to  capacity,  ensuring 
timely  delivery  of  its  projects  under  construction  and 
identifying  areas  that  will  add  further  value  to  its 
patients and stakeholders.

OUTLOOK 

The  economic  outlook  for  the  UAE  is  mixed,  with 
its  fortunes  linked  fundamentally  to  issues  such  as 
oil  price  and  US  economic  policy  which  affects  the 
strength of the US dollar, to which the UAE dirham is 
pegged as well as inflation. We are, however, confident 
that our strategy to reduce reliance on the low-priced 
insurance  sector,  and  to  further  increase  the  levels  of 
services available to our patients, will enable us to build 
on our newly defined base. Other key focus areas are 
to  continue  to  implement  an  effective  business  and 
clinical  strategy  for  the  combined  business  including 
further  divestments  where  appropriate,  continual 
improvement  of  the  patient  experience,  bringing  all 
new  facilities  to  capacity,  the  identification  of  further 
growth opportunities and the delivery of new projects 
already underway.

Preparations  for  the  introduction  of  diagnosis-related 
groups  in  Dubai  are  ongoing.  The  platform  continues 
to  maintain  an  active  dialogue  with  government 
authorities  on  regulatory  changes  within  the  UAE 
healthcare sector.

54

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

This report provides a brief overview of the Group’s 
sustainability  initiatives,  with  specific  reference  to 
the  five  material  sustainability  issues,  which  has 
been  extracted  from  the  detailed  Sustainable 
Development  Report  and  the  GRI  Standards 
Disclosure Index, available on the Company’s website 
at www.mediclinic.com. 

SDR

INTRODUCTION

Mediclinic  takes  a  sustainable,  long-term  approach  to 
business, putting patients at the heart of its operations 
and  delivering  consistently  high-quality  healthcare 
services. In order to deliver on these priorities, the Group 
upholds  the  highest  standards  of  clinical  governance 
and  ethical  behaviour  across  its  platforms,  invests 
significant time and resources in recruiting and retaining 
skilled  staff,  makes  considerable  investment  into  its 
facilities and equipment and respects the communities 
and environment in the areas in which it operates. 

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 

Mediclinic’s key stakeholders include: patients, doctors, 
employees  and  trade  unions,  suppliers,  healthcare 
industry 
and 
funders,  government 
authorities, 
associations, 
the 
the  community  and 
media.  Mediclinic  recognises  its  accountability  to  its 

investors, 

stakeholders and is committed to effective and regular 
engagement  with  them,  and  to  publicly  report  on  its 
sustainability performance. Mediclinic’s key stakeholders 
are those groups who have a material impact on, or are 
materially  impacted  by,  Mediclinic  and  its  operations. 
Its  key  stakeholders,  methods  of  engagement,  topics 
discussed  or  concerns  raised  are  outlined  in  the 
Sustainable  Development  Report,  available  on  the 
Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com. 

SDR

stakeholders 

Effective  communication  with 
is 
fundamental  in  maintaining  Mediclinic’s  corporate 
reputation  as  a  trusted  and  respected  provider  of 
healthcare services and positioning itself as a leading 
international  private  healthcare  group.  Mediclinic’s 
commitment to its stakeholders to conduct its business 
in  a  responsible  and  sustainable  way,  and  to  respond 
to  stakeholder  needs,  is  entrenched  in  the  Group’s 
values and supported by the Group Code of Business 
Conduct and Ethics. A wide variety of communication 
vehicles are used to engage with stakeholders, which 
serve as an impact assessment to assess stakeholders’ 
needs and to effectively respond thereto. Stakeholders’ 
legitimate expectations have been taken into account 
in  setting  the  Group’s  key  sustainability  priorities, 
as  reported  on  throughout  this  report.  The  Group 
continually looks for ways to improve its use of online 
channels to communicate with its stakeholders through 
the corporate website and webcasting.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

55

MATERIAL ISSUES

As  a  result  of  its  operations,  Mediclinic  has  many 
economic, social and environmental impacts, including 
creating  employment  opportunities,  training  and 
developing employees, black economic empowerment 
in  South  Africa,  investing  in  local  communities  and 
responsible use of natural resources. 

The Group categorised these issues and the associated 
performance  indicators  according  to  the  six  capitals 
(financial, manufactured, intellectual, human, social and 
relationship, and natural) included in the International 
Integrated  Reporting  Framework,  as  illustrated  in 
Figure 1.

In  order  to  focus  its  reporting  on  material  issues,  the 
Group  undertook  a  materiality  assessment,  which 
is  reviewed  annually,  to  identify  those  sustainable 
development  issues  which  are  most  significant  for 
the business, and directly affect the Group’s ability to 
create  value  for  our  key  stakeholders.  The  guidance 
on  determining  materiality  contained  in  the  GRI 
Sustainability Reporting Standards and the International 
Integrated Reporting Framework was used during the 
materiality assessment. The process was also informed 
by the views, concerns and expectations of the Group’s 
key stakeholders. 

The  materiality  assessment  identified  the  following 
five material issues, which remain unchanged from last 
year’s  report  and  constitute  the  focus  of  the  Group’s 
sustainable development reporting:
•  Provide quality healthcare services
•  Address shortage of healthcare practitioners
•  Create and sustain shareholder value
•  Responsible use of natural resources
•  Governance and corporate social responsibility

FIGURE 1: MATERIALITY ASSESSMENT MATRIX

t  
o
s t
g

n

d

a

a

e
r

n

w

E ffl u
z
a
h

a

m a

u

s  
e  
e m e

t

n

s

e

R

s

p

n

o

u
o f  n
e
r

E ffective 
environ m ent 
m anage m ent 
syste m
Effective risk 

anage

m

m

ent

E n e r g y  
e ffi c i e n c y

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shareholder 
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56

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MATERIAL ISSUE 1: PROVIDE QUALITY HEALTHCARE SERVICES

HIGHLIGHTS
•  Strong clinical governance programme in place to measure clinical performance 
•  Continued with significant capital investments across all platforms
•  Centralised procurement initiatives gaining momentum to achieve cost savings

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO THE 
BUSINESS

Mediclinic’s  business  is  guided  by  its  Patients  First 
ethos, which aims to enhance the quality of life of its 
patients  by  providing  comprehensive,  high-quality 
healthcare  services,  and  position  the  Group  as  the 
healthcare provider of choice for patients. Mediclinic’s 
reputation  as  a  respected  and  trusted  provider  of 
quality healthcare services helps it to attract and retain 
high-quality healthcare practitioners, including doctors 
and nurses. 

To ensure that it is consistently delivering the maximum 
value  to  its  patients,  Mediclinic  has  a  strong  focus  on 
improving and maintaining excellent clinical performance 
across  its  platforms.  Clinical  performance  is  measured 
and benchmarked to guarantee a standardised quality 
of  care  for  all  its  patients,  ensure  patient  safety  and 
satisfaction,  and  identify  opportunities  to  improve  its 
healthcare services and facilities.

LINK TO GROUP STRATEGY

•  Improve safe, quality clinical care
•  Improve patient experience
•  Deliver integrated and coordinated care

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

•  Patients
•  Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers
•  Healthcare funders
•  Industry associations 

RISKS TO THE BUSINESS

•  Poor clinical outcomes and service
•  Medical malpractice liability
•  Reputational damage
•  Inability to recruit and retain healthcare practitioners
•  Inability to secure preferred provider/network 

agreements with funders

•  Ineffective clinical care processes

SELECTED KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MORTALITY*  
(PER CALENDAR YEAR)

RE-ADMISSION RATES*  
(PER CALENDAR YEAR)

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

0.95
inpatient 
mortality 
index 
(2015: 1.02)

0.95%
weighted average mortality 
rate 
(2015: 1.02%)

0.24% 
inpatient mortality rate
(2015: 0.26%)

* 

 The results of the platforms are not directly comparable as 
the  platforms  differ  significantly  on  the  scope  of  services 
provided,  burden  of  disease,  units  of  measurement  and 
definition of indicators.
 While  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  reports  a  mortality 
index,  Mediclinic  Middle  East  and  Hirslanden  report  on 
the  unadjusted  mortality  rate  and  not  the  standardised 
mortality index.
 There  are  some  minor  differences  in  the  reported  rates 
due  to  definition  changes  in  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa 
and  Hirslanden,  whilst  the  Combination  resulted 
in  
larger  differences  in  the  reported  numbers  for  Mediclinic 
Middle East.

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

12.5%
30-day  
re-admission rate (all 
causes)
(2015: 12.3%)

1.24%
15-day unscheduled  
re-admission rate 
(2015: 1.29%)

1.0%
30-day related  
re-admission rate 
(2015: 1.9%)

* 

 The results of the platforms are not directly comparable as the 
platforms differ significantly on the scope of services provided, 
burden  of  disease,  units  of  measurement  and  definition  
of indicators.
 There  was  a  change  in  the  methodology  for  measuring  the  
30-day  re-admission  rate 
in  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa 
resulting  in  a  higher  rate  than  previously  reported.  Whereas 
Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  previously  excluded  a  number  of  
planned admissions from the calculation, it currently measures 
all-cause re-admissions. 
 The  addition  of  data  from  Al  Noor  led  to  an  increase  in  the  
30-day related re-admission rate for Mediclinic Middle East.

 
  
 
 
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

57

MITIGATION OF RISKS

•  Monitoring and management of clinical 

performance indicators

•  A Group-wide clinical risk register is implemented 

and monitored per platform

•  Accreditation and quality management processes
•  Clinical governance processes
•  Central coordination and standardisation of clinical 

performance across the Group

•  Patient safety policy
Mediclinic  manages  and  mitigates  the  clinical  risk  by 
providing a comprehensive set of policies and procedures 
to  guide  frontline  staff  during  the  care  process.  The 
adherence  to  the  policies  is  measured  by  controlled  
self-assessment questionnaires to hospitals and by way 
of clinical indicators measured and reported on monthly.

SUMMARISED APPROACH AND 
PERFORMANCE DURING THE YEAR

PATIENT SAFETY, QUALITY CARE AND 
CLINICAL OUTCOMES
Across all its operating platforms, Mediclinic is focused 
on  providing  superior  clinical  outcomes,  delivering  a 
standardised quality of service and improving patient 
safety.  To  meet  these  objectives,  Mediclinic  adopted 
a  Group-wide  clinical  performance  programme  which 
focuses on:
•  clinical performance to ensure optimum value;
•  clinical information management to enable clinical 
performance measurement to deal with systems 
which support the clinical care process, including 
electronic patient records; and

SELECTED KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

•  clinical services development dealing with the 
development of new coordinated care models, 
investigating new service lines and keeping abreast 
of technological developments.

Key  patient  safety  indicators  are  monitored  across 
Mediclinic’s  operations.  Patient  safety  surveys  are 
regularly  undertaken  to  measure  and  identify  areas 
for  improvement.  Management  is  trained  in  the  basic 
principles of patient safety and quality improvement. 

Multi-disciplinary  clinical  committees  at  hospital  level 
have been established throughout the Group to drive 
quality and safety and promote cooperation between 
doctors, nursing staff and management. 

Checklists (including the Safe Surgery checklist) were 
implemented  across  the  organisation  in  accordance 
with  the  recommendations  from  the  World  Health 
Organisation  and  the  Joint  Commission  International 
(“JCI”), and are believed to significantly contribute to 
patient safety.

audits 

clinical 

structured 

for  quality 

Additionally, 
are 
undertaken across all platforms and aid in identifying 
improvement  going  
opportunities 
forward. Clinical outcomes are benchmarked internally 
as  well  as  through  participation  in  several  external 
initiatives, including:
•  the Vermont Oxford Network aimed at measuring 
and improving the quality of care in neonatal 
intensive care units (Southern Africa and the  
UAE); and

•  the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (“SAPS”),  
a hospital mortality prediction methodology for 
adult intensive care patients, used to evaluate the 
quality of care in this complex setting. SAPS II is 
currently being used in Hirslanden, and Mediclinic 
Southern Africa and Mediclinic Middle East recently 
migrated to SAPS3.

FALL RATE* (PER 1 000 PATIENT DAYS) (PER 
CALENDAR YEAR)

PATIENT SATISFACTION AND 
EXPERIENCE*

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

1.07
(2015: 1.14)

2.4
(2015: 2.1)

0.4
(2015: 0.3)

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

81.9% 
(2016: 81.9%)

86.0% 
(2016: 94.0%)

82.4% 
(2016: 80.3%)

-

* 

 The results of the platforms are not directly comparable as 
the  platforms  differ  significantly  on  the  scope  of  services 
provided,  burden  of  disease,  units  of  measurement  and 
definition of indicators.

* 

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS ON PROJECTS, NEW 
EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

ZAR1 281m 
(2016: ZAR1 075m)

CHF163m
(2016: CHF144m)

AED245m
(2016: AED203m)

 The  results  of  Hirslanden  are  not  comparable  with  the 
results of Mediclinic Southern Africa and Mediclinic Middle 
East as the standardised Patient Experience Index has not 
been  rolled  out  to  Hirslanden.  The  results  of  Hirslanden 
are based on the ANQ (the Swiss National Association for 
Quality  Development)  satisfaction  survey.  The  Hirslanden 
results  for  2017  are  not  comparable  to  the  2016  results 
as  the  ANQ  satisfaction  survey  has  changed  its  questions 
and therefore the previous data used to determine patient 
satisfaction is no longer available. The 2017 results relate to 
the number of patients who would absolutely recommend 
Hirslanden to their family and friends.

58

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Across  all  platforms  staff  are  expected  to  maintain 
the  confidentiality  of  all  medical,  financial  and 
administrative  patient  information  of  which  they  may 
become  aware  during  the  course  of  their  duties,  and 
are required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon 
joining.  Access  to  patient  medical  records  is  strictly 
controlled,  and  medical  records  are  not  released 
outside  the  relevant  platform  unless  authorised  by  
the patient.

For  more  information  on  the  Company’s  approach 
and  clinical  performance,  please 
the 
Clinical  Services  Overview 
from  page  37  and  
the  Clinical  Services  Report  available  on  the 
Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com.

refer 

to 

AR

CSR

PATIENT SATISFACTION AND 
EXPERIENCE
In  line  with  its  Patients  First  ethos  and  to  ensure 
operational  excellence  across  all  platforms,  Mediclinic 
monitors its patients’ experience across the Group. 

In  2014,  the  Group  created  a  single,  standardised 
Patient Experience Index (“PEI”) with the objective of 
achieving  incremental  and  sustainable  improvement 
of the patient experience over time. The entire survey 
process is managed by Press Ganey, an internationally 
recognised  leader  in  patient  experience  research, 
providing an in-depth analysis of the data and advising 
on global best practices.

implemented  for 

The  PEI  was 
inpatients  at  all 
Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  hospitals  and  for  both  
in-  and  outpatients  at  all  Mediclinic  Middle  East 
facilities,  where  it  will  be  introduced  during  2017.  The 
survey was implemented at Hirslanden from April 2017.

Refer  to  the  table  on  page  57  for  the  patient 
satisfaction 
level  of  Hirslanden  based  on  the 
for  Quality 
ANQ  (Swiss  National  Association 
Development);  and  the  PEI  of  Mediclinic  Southern 
Africa and Mediclinic Middle East.

PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HIGH-
QUALITY HOSPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE 
(FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT)
To  ensure  a  safe  and  user-friendly  environment  for 
both our patients and employees, we strive to provide 
high-quality  healthcare 
facilities  and  technology, 
focusing  on  capital 
investments,  maintenance  of 
facilities  and  optimal  use  of  facilities.  As  a  result,  the 
Group continuously invests in capital projects and new 
equipment  to  expand  and  refurbish  our  facilities  and 
the  replacement  of  existing  equipment,  as  well  as  on 
the  repair  and  maintenance  of  existing  property  and 
equipment.  Refer  to  Material  Issue  3:  Create  and 
Sustain  Shareholder  Value  on  pages  62  to  63  for 
further  detail  regarding  the  Group’s  investments  in 
capital  projects  and  new  equipment;  replacement  of 
equipment; and repairs and maintenance.

AR

PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN 
MANAGEMENT
In order to deliver its services, Mediclinic is dependent 
on  a  large  and  diverse  range  of  suppliers,  who  form 
an  integral  part  of  the  Group’s  ability  to  provide 

quality  hospital  care.  Mediclinic  believes  in  building 
long-term  relationships  with  suitable  suppliers  and 
establishing a relationship of mutual trust and respect.  
Regular  meetings  are  held  with  suppliers  to  ensure 
continuity of service. The Group relies on its suppliers 
to deliver products and services of the highest quality 
in line with Mediclinic’s standards. Various other criteria 
play  an  important  role  in  selecting  suppliers,  such  as: 
compliance  with  applicable  international  and  local 
quality  standards,  price,  compliance  with  appropriate 
specifications suited for the Group’s markets, stability 
of the organisation and the relevant equipment brand, 
good-quality  and  cost-effective  solutions,  support 
network,  technical  advice  and  training  philosophy.  
In South Africa, the BBBEE status of a supplier is also 
a  factor  in  the  selection  process.  An  enterprise  and 
supplier development strategy specific to procurement 
is  being  developed  in  South  Africa  to  enhance  
BBBEE reporting.

The availability of products and services is imperative 
in  enabling  the  Group  to  deliver  quality  care  to  its 
patients,  and  therefore  an  important  criterion  in  its 
supplier  selection  process.  Though  not  always  the 
case, this often leads to local suppliers being preferred, 
which  adds  to  better  and  faster  service  delivery  and 
knowledge  of  local  laws  and  regulations,  particularly 
with regard to pharmaceutical products.

COST OF HEALTHCARE
The Group contributes in various ways to a sustainable 
healthcare system by, inter alia, focussing on efficiency 
and  cost-effectiveness,  conducting  tariff  negotiations 
in  a  fair  and  transparent  manner,  expanding  facilities 
based on need, and actively participating in healthcare 
reform.

The Group is focused on streamlining and centralising 
improve  efficiency 
its  procurement  processes  to 
and  cost-effectiveness.  During  the  reporting  period, 
good  progress  was  made  on  a  range  of  international 
procurement initiatives including:
•  the classification and matching of products used 

across all its operating platforms to compare prices 
and drive procurement strategies; 

•  better prices through pooling of capital equipment 

purchases across the three platforms; 
•  volume bonus agreements with key capital 

equipment suppliers; and

•  direct importing and distribution of more  

cost-effective surgical and consumable products.

Refer  to  the  Chief  Executive  Officer’s  Review,  Our 
Strategy, Progress and Aims, as well as the Divisional 
Reviews included in this report, for various examples of 
initiatives to improve cost-effectiveness.

AR

ACCREDITATION
Hospitals are high-risk environments in which complex 
treatment processes are executed using sophisticated 
equipment  and  techniques.  The  process  of  external 
accreditation  ensures  that  international  standards 
are  adhered  to  in  all  aspects  of  hospital  operations. 
For  more  details  on  accreditation,  please  refer  to  the 
Clinical  Services  Report,  available  on  the  Company’s 
website at www.mediclinic.com.

CSR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

59

MATERIAL ISSUE 2: ADDRESS SHORTAGE OF HEALTHCARE 
PRACTITIONERS

HIGHLIGHTS
•  Remarkable progress in relation to internationalisation of human resources strategy
•  Continued investment in training and skills development to maintain and improve quality service delivery
•  Introduced standardised employee engagement survey across the Group

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO THE 
BUSINESS

The  attraction  of  suitably  qualified  healthcare 
professionals  is  essential  in  delivering  the  Group’s 
Patients  First  strategy.  For  this  reason,  priority  focus 
is  given  to  a  proactive  sourcing  approach  aligned  to 
workforce  planning  for  the  medium  term.  Nurses, 
pharmacists  and  doctors  are  categorised  as  critical 
skills  and  an  integrated  talent  management  strategy 
is  tailored  to  each  of  these  categories  to  ensure  the 
support  of  the  entire  employee  life  cycle  in  these 
roles.  A  definite  strength  is  the  available  talent 
analytics  which  indicate  patterns  in  candidate  and 
employee behaviour over time. These provide a strong  
predictive  advantage  and 
insights  are 
incorporated into the talent management strategy for 
each of these categories.

these 

The  focus  of  attracting  and  utilising  talent  in  a 
challenging healthcare market continues to be nurses, 
emergency  room  doctors  and  pharmacists.  Proactive 
initiatives  are  implemented  in  the  specific  categories 
and geographical areas of concern. 

LINK TO GROUP STRATEGY

•  Invest in employees
•  Improve safe, quality clinical care
•  Improve patient experience

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

•  Doctors
•  Employee and trade unions
•  Governments and authorities
•  Industry associations 

RISKS TO THE BUSINESS

•  Inability to recruit healthcare practitioners to meet 

business demand

•  Limited growth and loss of revenue
•  Poor clinical outcomes and services
•  Medical malpractice liability 
•  Reputational damage
•  Delayed new nursing qualifications, as well as the 

anticipated gap in the education pipeline 

•  Ageing nursing workforce and noticeable trend of 

earlier retirement of nursing professionals

SELECTED KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

CONTROLLABLE EMPLOYEE  
TURNOVER RATE

PERCENTAGE OF PAYROLL INVESTED IN TRAINING 
AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE*

6.3%
(2016: 6.8%)

7.2%
(2016: 5.2%)

19.8%
(2016: 12.4%)

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

3.2% 
(2016: 3.6%)

4.8%
(2016: 5.0%)

0.1%
(2016: 0.3%)

* 

 The  turnover  rate  of  Mediclinic  Middle  East  has  increased 
from  the  previous  reporting  period  due  to  series  of 
retrenchments following the Combination.

60

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

LABOUR RELATIONS AND 
REMUNERATION
Employee remuneration
The  Group  remunerates  employees  in  a  manner  that 
supports  the  achievement  of  the  Group’s  vision  and 
strategic  objectives,  while  attracting  and  retaining 
scarce skills and rewarding high levels of performance. 
This  is  achieved  through  establishing  remuneration 
practices  that  are  fair,  reasonable  and  market-related 
while  at  the  same  time  maintaining  an  appropriate 
balance  between  employee  and  shareholder  interest. 
To  encourage  a  performance-driven  organisation, 
the  Group  rewards  employees  for  achieving  strategic 
objectives  as  well  as  individual  personal  performance 
targets. Benefits for all employees include a retirement 
fund,  medical  aid  scheme,  performance-related 
incentives  and  bonuses  and  liability  insurance  for 
medical  staff.  Those  managers  who  receive  variable 
remuneration  have  a  combination  of  short-  and  
long-term 
the  Group 
introduced a Reward Centre of Expertise, specialising 
in the design and delivery of global reward initiatives. 

incentives.  During  2015, 

Labour relations
The Group believes in building sound long-term relations 
with  its  employees  and  employee  representatives, 
which supports its goal of being the employer of choice 
in the healthcare industry. This is measured by the Your 
Voice  employee  engagement  survey  and  continuous 
assessment of the Group’s employment conditions. 

The  Group  respects  and  complies  with  the  labour 
legislation  in  the  countries  in  which  it  operates,  and 
ensures  that  the  internal  policies  and  procedures 
are  evaluated  regularly  to  accommodate  continual 
amendments  to  relevant 
legislation.  The  Group 
continuously  strives  to  ensure  that  all  its  employees 
are  informed  of  their  benefits,  and  this  information 
is  communicated  to  staff  via  the  intranet,  staff 
newsletters,  staff  consultation  meetings  and  various 
other forms of communication media.

MITIGATION OF RISKS

•  Extensive training and skills  
development programmes

•  Governance of suitable selection processes 

with focus on skills assessments, employment 
references and verification of credentials
•  Targeted sourcing and recruitment initiatives, 

with a strong focus on agile sourcing techniques 
ensuring that best fit candidate talent is channelled 
to appropriate vacancies, supported by a seamless 
hiring process

•  Proactive international recruitment programme 
supplementing anticipated medium-term  
skills gaps

•  Tailored retention strategies, supporting the 
retention of priority audiences within each  
business unit

•  Succession planning and/or career management 
initiatives within scarce skills disciplines, ensuring 
proactive development of high-performing 
employees with potential to supervisory and 
leadership roles

•  Deployment of integrated talent strategies in 

support of core business areas
•  Monitoring of doctor satisfaction

SUMMARISED APPROACH AND 
PERFORMANCE DURING THE YEAR

EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT AND 
RETENTION
The  human  resources  policies  and  supporting  good 
practice protocols at each platform provide governance 
guidelines  to  ensure  consistent  practices  in  support 
of  the  entire  employee  life  cycle.  Good  progress  was 
made  during  the  period  under  review  in  terms  of  the 
internationalisation  of  the  human  resources  strategy. 
The focus remains to address local challenges through 
tailored  human  resources  strategies  at  platform  level, 
but to also share global expertise and best practices to 
the benefit of all. 

International  and  local  processes  have  been  defined 
and priority is given to longer-term system enablement 
through  the  implementation  of  an  integrated  human 
resources management system. The value of comparable 
and  quality  data,  which  is  made  accessible  to  all 
stakeholders will become evident in the medium to longer 
term.  Talent  analytics  have  always  been  an  important 
focus  and  the  value  of  comparable  quality  Group  data 
will provide a competitive edge in terms of trend and risk 
identification and the input to proactive strategy.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

61

During  the  year,  there  were  no  incidents  of  material 
non-compliance  with  any  laws,  regulations,  accepted 
standards  or  codes  applicable  to  the  Group,  with  no 
significant fines being imposed, concerning the health 
and safety impact of the Group’s services.

EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION AND 
ENGAGEMENT
In  2015,  Mediclinic, 
in  partnership  with  Gallup, 
introduced  the  Your  Voice  employee  engagement 
programme across all operating platforms to measure 
levels of engagement, identify gaps at a departmental 
level  and  support  line  managers  in  developing  action 
plans to address concerns. 

Overall, the Group achieved a 71% (2016: 65%) participation 
rate  in  the  Your  Voice  survey  and  36%  (2016:  32%)  of 
employees showed high levels of engagement.

Strengths  which  the  survey  highlighted 
include 
employees  knowing  what  is  expected  of  them  and 
having  the  appropriate  materials  and  equipment  to 
perform  at  work.  Areas  for  improvement  highlighted 
by the survey include recognition and praise for good 
work and valuing the opinions of employees.

During 2017, Mediclinic aims to follow a more focused 
approach  by  driving  central  engagement  themes  and 
ensuring adequate feedback and action planning takes 
place at all localities and departments. Champions have 
been  trained  to  support  line  managers  in  facilitating 
workshops  to  address  concerns  at  the  departmental 
level. Champions and line managers will work towards 
developing a better understanding of the engagement 
needs  of  the  Mediclinic  workforce  and  addressing 
concerns according to the engagement hierarchy. 

TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
The Group continues to invest significantly in training 
and skills development to maintain and improve quality 
service delivery. The percentage of payroll invested in 
training and skills development by each of the Group’s 
operating platforms is provided on page 59.

AR

The  Group’s  commitment  to  provide  quality  care 
for  its  patients  can  only  be  ensured  if  its  staff  has 
appropriate, evolving skill sets, which is reflected in the 
number of learning initiatives undertaken each year.  
A  consistent  performance  management  system  is 
applied  throughout  the  Group,  which  allows  us  to 
identify  and  manage  training  needs  of  individual 
employees,  and  to  discuss  career  development. 
Succession  planning 
standardised  on  an 
is 
organisational  level  in  all  three  operating  platforms 
and  a  Group  talent  review  is  performed  annually. 
Critical  talent  (such  as  nurses  and  pharmacists) 
as  well  as  high-performing 
individuals  with 
potential  are 
identified  and  supported  through 
tailored  development  initiatives.  An  inter-platform 
development  programme  which  offers  a  series  of 
secondments  across  platforms  has  been  designed 
to  help  these  individuals  excel  at  Mediclinic.  The 
programme is currently implemented at organisational 
level  for  talent  with  the  potential  to  be  successors 
to  a  key  position  in  their  own  platform  or  across 
platforms within the larger Mediclinic Group. The aim 
of the programme is to provide priority talent (either 
critical talent or high performers with potential), the 
opportunity  to  gain  cross-platform  exposure.  All 
platforms  have  received  the  programme  with  great 
enthusiasm  and  the  Group  is  proud  to  continue  to 
grow  this  amazing  development  opportunity  to  the 
benefit of all.

SUPPORT OF EXTERNAL TRAINING 
INSTITUTIONS
The Group is committed to educational development in 
all three of its operating platforms and provides financial 
and other support towards healthcare education.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and safety policies and procedures are in place 
across the Group to ensure a safe working environment 
for  the  Group’s  employees,  patients  and  its  visitors. 
The  health  and  safety  of  the  Group’s  employees  are 
essential and contribute to the sustainability of quality 
care  to  patients.  The  programmes  and  procedures 
implemented by the various business units to mitigate 
health and safety risks are outlined in the Sustainable 
Development Report.

SDR

62

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MATERIAL ISSUE 3: CREATE AND SUSTAIN SHAREHOLDER VALUE

HIGHLIGHTS
•  Total dividend per share of 7.90 pence
•  Continued progress in significant investments to grow capacity at each of the operating platforms
•  Underlying EBITDA margin stable at 18.2% for the Group

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO THE 
BUSINESS

KEY STAKEHOLDER

•  Investors 

As  can  be  seen  from  its  business  model  on  pages  22 
to 23, the Group is only able to offer the best possible 
care to its patients with support and investment from 
its  shareholders.  The  Group  believes  that  identifying 
and  realising  suitable  growth  opportunities  is  key  to 
create  and  sustain  shareholder  value  over  the  longer 
term, as these opportunities enable it to realise tangible 
benefits. Such benefits include: reduced costs through 
procurement  on  a  greater  scale;  the  creation  of 
shared  operations  teams;  the  combination  of  existing 
corporate  functions;  and  the  transfer  of  knowledge 
and best practices across the Group. 

LINK TO GROUP STRATEGY

•  Improve safe, quality clinical care
•  Improve efficiencies
•  Continue to grow
•  Invest in employees

RISKS TO THE BUSINESS 

•  Failure to identify suitable growth opportunities
•  Unattractive investment propositions
•  Poor shareholder relations
•  Unavailability of capital and financing for growth
•  Solvency and liquidity

MITIGATION OF RISKS

•  Implementing systems to monitor developments in 
the economic and business environment of trends 
and early warning indicators

•  Strategic planning and due diligence processes
•  Long-term planning of capital requirements and 

cash-flow forecasting

•  Scrutiny of cash-generating capacity within the Group
•  Proactive and long-term agreements with banks 
and other funders relating to funding facilities
•  Monitoring of compliance with requirements of 

debt covenants

SELECTED KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

TOTAL DIVIDEND PER SHARE (IN PENCE)

UNDERLYING EBITDA MARGINS

-

Group

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

18.2%
(2016: 20.3%)

21.2% 
(2016: 21.4%)

20.0%
(2016: 19.7%)

11.7%
(2016: 22.3%)

7.90
(2016: 7.90)

REVENUE

£2 749m
(2016: £2 107m)

EBITDA

£509m
(2016: £382m)

UNDERLYING EBITDA 

£501m
(2016: £428m)

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

63

SUMMARISED APPROACH AND 
PERFORMANCE DURING THE YEAR

ACCEPTABLE SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
The  total  dividend  per  share  for  the  period  under 
review is 7.90 pence (2016: 7.90 pence).

The  Group’s  dividend  policy  is  set  out  in  Financial 
Review on page 18.

AR

PROFITABILITY
The  Group’s  strong  focus  on  efficiencies  has  ensured 
that the underlying EBITDA margin remained stable at 
18.2%.

For  more  information,  please  refer  to  the  Financial 
Review included from page 14.

AR

GROWING THE BUSINESS
During  the  year,  the  Group  continued  to  make 
significant  investments  to  grow  capacity  at  each  of 
the  operating  platforms.  The  Group  is  continuously 
pursuing  opportunities  and  initiatives  to  improve 
the  occupancy  of  existing  facilities,  expand  existing 
facilities  and  acquire  or  establish  new  facilities.  Refer 
to the Chief Executive Officer’s Review, the platforms’ 
Divisional  Reviews  and  Our  Strategy,  Progress  and 
Aims included in the Annual Report.

AR

SELECTED KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL PROJECTS AND NEW 
EQUIPMENT (PLATFORMS)

EXPENDITURE ON REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 
(PLATFORMS)

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

R766m
(2016: R758m)

CHF74m 
(2016: CHF68m)

AED188m
(2016: AED171m)

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

R234m
(2016: R275m)

CHF37m
(2016: CHF38m)

AED39m
(2016: AED24m)

INVESTMENT IN REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT 
(PLATFORMS) 

Southern
Africa

Switzerland

UAE

R515m
(2016: R317m)

CHF89m
(2016: CHF76m)

AED57m
(2016: AED32m)

64

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MATERIAL ISSUE 4: RESPONSIBLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES

HIGHLIGHTS
•  Mediclinic Southern Africa included in  

Global A list for performance in the Carbon Disclosure Project

•  Since January 2014, the entire Hirslanden electricity supply has been generated from 100% sustainable 

electricity

•  Total energy consumption per bed day reduced in Mediclinic Southern Africa, with Mediclinic Middle East 

and Hirslanden’s consumption remaining stable
•  Total water usage decreased throughout the Group

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO THE 
BUSINESS

The  Group’s  main  environmental  impacts  are  the 
utilisation of resources, predominantly energy, through 
electricity consumption and water, and the disposal of 
healthcare risk waste. The Group is fully aware of the 
need  to  use  resources  responsibly  and  is  committed 
to minimising its environmental impacts to the extent 
possible. 

The Group recognises the risks that regulatory changes, 
environmental constraints and climate change present 
to  its  operations.  Potential  impacts  include  rising 
costs,  reduced  access  to  facilities,  interruptions  in 
service, and incidents of extreme weather events as a 
result  of  climate  change  placing  additional  stress  on 
operations.  Additionally,  climate  change  can  lead  to 
water shortages (especially in the UAE and in Southern 
Africa)  and  weather-induced  pandemics  and  disease 
outbreaks which can cause high mortality rates. 

However, the Group also believes that using resources 
responsibly  can  be  a  source  of  strategic  advantage 
for  the  Group,  allowing  it  to  manage  and  contain  its 
operating costs and to ensure ongoing access to water 
and energy supplies.

Mediclinic’s  patients  are  always  its  first  priority,  but 
without  natural  resources,  especially  water,  Mediclinic 
would not be able to provide a service to its patients. 
The  Group  takes  its  policies  to  reduce  its  impact 
on  the  environment  very  seriously  and  its  Natural 
Resources  Committee  is  constantly  investigating  new 
opportunities to reduce its impact on the environment.

RISKS TO THE BUSINESS
•  Business interruptions due to water shortages
•  Business interruption due to electricity supply
•  Increased operational costs due to cost  

of electricity

•  Healthcare risk waste disposal
•  Reputational damage

LINK TO GROUP STRATEGY
•  Improve efficiencies

KEY STAKEHOLDERS
•  Employees and doctors
•  Suppliers
•  Governments and authorities
•  Community 

RISK MITIGATION

•  Implementation of appropriate environmental 

management systems (certified by an 
internationally recognised body, where appropriate)
•  Corporate Sustainable Water Management Strategy 

was implemented

•  Expansion of the Energy Initiative Committee 

function to the Natural Resources Committee to 
include all natural resources

•  Introduction of renewable energy sources, such 
as solar photovoltaic systems, in order to reduce 
energy consumption and costs

SELECTED KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

TOTAL CO2 EMISSIONS (KG/BED DAY)

WATER USAGE (KL/BED DAY)

Southern
Africa

Switzerland
(per calendar 
year)

UAE*

117kg  
(per CDP 2017)
(CDP 2016: 111kg)

13kg
(2015: 13kg)

178kg  
(per CDP 2017)
(CDP 2016: 226kg)

Southern
Africa

0.652kl  
(2016 calendar year)
(FY 2015/16: 0.694kl)

-

Switzerland
(per calendar 
year)

0.629kl  
(2015: 0.664kl) 

UAE*

0.654kl
(2016 calendar year)
(FY 2015/16: 1.125kl)

* 

 The intensity measures of CO₂ emissions, water usage and energy consumption per day are not appropriate for the UAE, and not 
comparable with that of Southern Africa and Switzerland, as the total emissions, water usage and energy consumption include only 
five hospitals, with outpatient consultations and 25 clinics with only outpatient consultation (i.e. no bed days). During the year ahead, 
a more appropriate intensity measure will be determined for the Group.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

65

SUMMARISED APPROACH AND 
PERFORMANCE DURING THE YEAR

(“CO2e”) using recognised calculation methods, 
emission factors and stating assumptions made, 
where relevant. 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
The  Group  Environmental  Policy,  available  on  the 
Company’s  website  at  www.mediclinic.com,  aims 
to  minimise  Mediclinic’s  environmental  impacts  and 
guides  the  identification  and  management  of  all  risks 
and opportunities relating to water use and recycling, 
energy  use  and  conservation,  emissions  and  climate 
change, and waste management and recycling.

The  Group’s  main  environmental  impacts  are  the 
utilisation of resources and waste which have a direct 
effect on carbon emissions. Items listed in the aspect 
register  relating  to  regulatory  compliance,  healthcare 
risk  waste,  water,  electricity,  paper,  hazardous  waste 
and gases not only could have a significant impact on 
the environment, but also informs strategy on climate 
change related risks and opportunities.

CARBON EMISSIONS
The  CDP  (formerly  known  as  the  Carbon  Disclosure 
Project)  is  a  global  initiative  measuring  companies 
around the world and their reporting on greenhouse gas 
emissions and climate change strategies. It is regarded 
as  a  global  leader  in  capturing  and  analysing  data 
that  record  the  business  response  to  climate  change, 
including  management  of  risks  and  opportunities, 
absolute emissions levels, performance over time and 
governance. Participation and disclosure of the results 
are voluntary. The project was launched in South Africa 
in  2007  in  partnership  with  the  National  Business 
Initiative in which JSE-listed companies are measured. 
Mediclinic  has  participated  in  the  project  since  2008, 
initially  only  in  respect  of  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa. 
Limited  information  in  respect  of  Mediclinic  Middle 
East  has  also  been  included  since  2010,  although  it 
still remains an initiative focusing mainly on Mediclinic 
Southern Africa’s data. Mediclinic’s CDP reports can be 
accessed on the CDP website at www.cdp.net, with the 
most  recent  reports  also  available  on  the  Company’s 
website at www.mediclinic.com.

The  Group’s  platforms  measure,  with  the  assistance 
of external consultants, its carbon footprint using the 
GHG Protocol and includes, still in varying degrees:
•  direct emissions, which in the healthcare industry 
will refer mainly to the emissions of anaesthetics 
gases (scope 1 emissions); 

•  indirect emissions from the consumption of 

electricity (scope 2 emissions); 

•  indirect emissions from suppliers, which in 
the healthcare industry will refer mainly to 
pharmaceutical, bulk oxygen and waste-removal 
suppliers (scope 3 emissions); and

•  non-Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gas emissions 
such as Freon, which is used in air-conditioning 
and refrigerant equipment. With the assistance 
of external consultants, these emissions data 
were converted into a carbon dioxide equivalent 

The  carbon  emissions  per  platform,  for  the  periods 
as  specified  therein,  are  reported  in  the  Sustainable 
Development Report.

SDR

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Electricity  is  the  main  contributor  to  our  carbon 
footprint  and  all  our  platforms  are  taking  steps  to 
reduce their electricity consumption intensity through 
the  adoption  of  ISO  14001  management  standards, 
leading to improved operational efficiency of technical 
installations,  introduction  of  various  new  energy-
efficient  and  renewable  technologies  and  changes  in 
staff behaviour regarding energy use. 

The  direct  and  indirect  energy  consumption  per 
platform,  for  the  periods  as  specified  therein,  is 
reported in the Sustainable Development Report.

SDR

WATER USAGE
The  Group’s  platforms  in  Southern  Africa  and  in  the 
UAE can suffer from  significant water shortages so  it 
is critical for the Group to monitor water consumption 
closely. There are various measures in place to minimise 
water  consumption; 
reclaiming  water, 
monitoring hot water consumption and installing water 
meters and control sensors. 

including 

The  total  water  usage  has  decreased  throughout  the 
Group.  The  total  volume  of  water  withdrawn  from 
water  utilities  throughout  the  Group,  for  the  periods 
as  specified  therein,  is  reported  in  the  Sustainable 
Development Report.

SDR

WASTE MANAGEMENT
Stringent protocols are followed to ensure that refuse 
removal within the Group complies with all legislation, 
regulations  and  by-laws.  The  Group  regards  the 
handling  of  waste  in  an  environmentally  sound,  legal 
and safe manner as its ethical, moral and professional 
duty.  During  the  reporting  period,  there  were  no 
incidents at the Group’s facilities or offices leading to 
significant spills.

SELECTED KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

ENERGY CONSUMPTION (GJ/BED DAY)

WASTE RECYCLED

Southern
Africa

Switzerland
(per calendar 
year)

UAE*

0.327gj  
(2016 calendar year)
(FY 2015/16 0.333gj/bed 
day)

0.474gj 
(2015: 0.447gj/bed day)

0.991gj  
(2016 calendar year)
(FY 2015/16 0.842gj/bed 
day)

Southern
Africa

1 283 tonnes  
(2016 calendar year)
(FY 2015/16: 1 197 tonnes) 

Switzerland
(per calendar 
year)

UAE

550 tonnes
(2015: 630 tonnes)

72 tonnes  
(2016 calendar year)
(FY 2015/16: 87 tonnes) 

66

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MATERIAL ISSUE 5: GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE SOCIAL 
RESPONSIBILITY

HIGHLIGHTS
•  Anonymous ethics lines at all platforms
•  A three-year compliance monitoring programme was developed to enhance the existing  

compliance culture

•  Group-wide Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
•  Contributed R11m to the South African Department of Health’s Public Health Enhancement Fund 

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO THE 
BUSINESS

Governance  and  CSR  are  integral  to  Mediclinic’s 
approach of running a sustainable, long-term business. 
In  line  with  the  Group’s  vision  statement  “to  be 
respected internationally and preferred locally”, it:
•  enforces good corporate governance standards 

throughout the organisation;

•  acts as a responsible corporate citizen;
•  builds constructive relationships with its local 

stakeholders; and

•  acts as a valued member of the community in the 

regions where it operates.

The Group put in place a range of policies, processes 
and standards to support the Group’s governance and 
corporate social investment programmes and provide 
a  framework  of  the  standards  of  business  conduct 
and  ethics  that  are  required  of  all  business  divisions, 
directors and employees within the Group. 

LINK TO STRATEGY

•  Although not directly linked to any particular 

Group strategic priority, governance and corporate 
social responsibility are regarded as key enablers 
and the basis from which the Group conducts  
its business.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

•  Suppliers
•  Healthcare funders
•  Governments and authorities
•  Community 

RISKS TO THE BUSINESS

•  Fines, prosecution or reputational damage
•  Inability to continue business due to legal 

and regulatory non-compliance or changes in 
regulatory environment

•  Financial and reputational damage caused by poor 
governance and ethical practices and inadequate 
risk management

•  Reputational damage at local community level due 

to inadequate community involvement

SELECTED KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

CALLS TO ETHICS LINES

CONTRIBUTION TO CSI INITIATIVES

Southern
Africa*

Switzerland

UAE

202
(2016: 104)

20 
(2016: 17)

6
(2016: 1)

Southern
Africa

ZAR12.3m
(2016: ZAR11.8m)

Switzerland

CHF2.5m
(2016: CHF2.5m)

-

UAE

AED992 000
(2016: AED814 000)

* 

 In relation to Mediclinic Southern Africa, it should be noted 
that  nine  of  the  reported  incidents  related  to  fraud  or 
ethics,  eleven  incidents  reported  were  given  high  priority, 
and  the  majority  of  incidents  reported  related  to  human 
resources, service or accounts complaints.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

67

MITIGATION OF RISKS

•  Visible ethical leadership
•  Regular fraud and ethics feedback to management, 

the Board and relevant Board committees

•  Ethics lines available to all employees and external 
parties, with reported incidents monitored and 
investigated

•  Established Group Risk Management department 
and outsourced Group internal audit function

•  Compliance risks assessed as part of risk 

management process, with regular internal  
self-assessments, with necessary advice and 
support by the Company Secretarial and  
Legal departments

•  Compliance consultant appointed to  

implement compliance framework and monitor 
compliance maturity

•  Monitoring of corporate social investment 

initiatives by senior management, with feedback 
to the Clinical Performance and Sustainability 
Committee

The following policies are in place:
•  Enterprise-wide Risk Management Policy  

and Risk Appetite

•  Fraud Risk Management Policy
•  Regulatory Compliance Policy
•  Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
•  Anti-bribery Policy
Adherence  to  these  policies  are  monitored  through 
the various Risk Management and Assurance initiatives 
implemented throughout the Group. Non-adherence to 
these policies is immediately highlighted as a corrective 
action  and  addressed  accordingly.  The  Group  Risk 
Management department regularly monitors the status 
of these corrective actions. 

These  policies  are  intended  to  create  a  culture  within 
the  Group  where  ethical  values  are  displayed  on 
a  day-to-day  basis.  It  further  encourages  staff  to 
be  vigilant  and  transparent  for  any  suspicious  or 
unethical  behaviour.  Finally,  these  policies  provide 
clear guidelines and frameworks to assist in achieving 
set objectives, for example, compliance with applicable 
laws and regulations.

SUMMARISED APPROACH AND 
PERFORMANCE DURING THE YEAR

ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE
The Group’s commitment to ethical standards is set out 
in  the  Group’s  values,  and  is  supported  by  the  Group 
Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics  (the  “Code”), 
available on the Company’s website. The Code provides 
a  framework  for  the  standards  of  business  conduct 
and  ethics  that  are  required  of  all  business  divisions, 
directors  and  employees.  The  Code  is  available  to  all 
staff and is included in new employee inductions.

regarding 

the  Group’s  ethics 
Further  details 
management, risk management process and corporate 
governance  practices  are  discussed 
in 
the  report  on  Risk  Management,  Principal  Risks 
and  Uncertainties  and  the  Corporate  Governance 
Statement.

in  detail 

AR

EFFECTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT
The  Group’s  Enterprise-wide  Risk  Management 
(“ERM”)  policy  follows  the  international  Committee 
of  Sponsoring  Organisations  of 
the  Treadway 
Commission (“COSO”) framework and defines the risk 
management  objectives,  methodology,  risk  appetite, 
risk identification, assessment and treatment processes 
and the responsibilities of the various risk management 
role-players in the Group. The ERM policy is subject to 
annual  review  and  any  amendments  are  submitted  
to the Audit and Risk Committee for approval. 

The  objective  of  risk  management  in  the  Group  is  to 
establish an integrated and effective risk management 
framework  where  important  and  emerging  risks  are 
identified, quantified and managed. An ERM software 
application  supports  the  Group’s  risk  management 
process in all three operating platforms.

Further  details  on  the  Group’s  risk  management 
approach,  as  well  as  principal  risks  and  uncertainties 
are  included  in  the  report  on  Risk  Management, 
Principal Risks and Uncertainties.

AR

68

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

The  number  of  black 
increased  
year-on-year from 70.5% to 71.22% of total employees.  
Black management representation increased from 11% 
in 2006 to 27.7% (2016: 25.7%) at year end.

employees 

During 
the  year,  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa’s 
transformation department continued with the diversity 
management  interventions  through  workshops  and 
presentations  for  employees  throughout  the  group. 
The  workshops  are  designed  to  help  employees  have 
a  better  understanding  of  diversity  to  embrace  and 
celebrate diversity and be able to recruit, manage and 
retain talented employees from diverse backgrounds.

Mediclinic  Southern  Africa’s  current  employment 
equity  plan  expires  in  October  2017.  The  company  is 
currently in the process of compiling a new plan which 
will expire in 2022. A summarised employment equity 
report  (EEA2),  as  submitted  to  the  Department  of 
Labour in November 2016, is included in the Sustainable 
Development Report.

SDR

CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT (“CSI”)
The  Group  contributes  to  the  well-being  of  the 
communities  within  which  it  operates  by  investing 
in  ongoing  initiatives  that  address  socio-economic 
problems or risks, and it has established Mediclinic as 
an  integral  member  of  these  communities,  enriching 
the  lives  of  many  communities  throughout  Southern 
Africa, Switzerland and the UAE.

The  Group’s  CSI  activities  are  structured  around  the 
improvement  of  healthcare  through  training  and 
education, sponsorships, donations, staff volunteerism, 
public private initiatives and joint ventures. Many of the 
Group’s  initiatives  relate  to  providing  training  and  to 
financial support of training. Due to the socio-economic 
conditions in Southern Africa, the majority of our CSI 
contributions are by Mediclinic Southern Africa.

The CSI spend per platform is provided on page 66.

AR

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND 
REGULATIONS
Compliance  risk  was  identified  as  an  integral  risk 
management  focus  area  for  the  year  across  the 
Group.  In  light  of  the  large  volume  of  legislative  and 
regulatory  requirements  applicable  to  the  Group  in 
each of the jurisdictions in which it operates, as well as 
various  industry  standards  that  the  platforms  should 
comply  with,  compliance  risk  requires  specific  focus. 
A  three-year  compliance  monitoring  programme  was 
developed to enhance the existing compliance culture 
and  approach  to  compliance  risk  in  the  Group.  Good 
progress  was  made  to  define  and  integrate  relevant 
laws  and  potential  risks  in  the  risk  registers  of  the 
various platforms and departments during the year.

Further details on the Group’s compliance management 
are  included  in  the  report  on  Risk  Management, 
Principal  Risks  and  Uncertainties,  and  in  the  Audit 
and Risk Committee Report.

AR

HUMAN RIGHTS AND RIGHTS OF 
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
During the year, no material incidents of discrimination, 
violations 
indigenous  people  
and/or  human  rights  reviews  or  impact  assessments 
were observed or reported throughout the Group.

involving  rights  of 

BROAD-BASED BLACK ECONOMIC 
EMPOWERMENT (“BBBEE”) (SOUTH 
AFRICA ONLY)
Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  forms  an  integral  part  of 
the political, social and economic community in South 
Africa and is committed to sustainable transformation 
as  part  of  its  business  strategy.  Mediclinic  Southern 
Africa’s Executive Committee is responsible to ensure 
that  the  appropriate  focus  is  placed  on  the  group’s 
commitment to the development and implementation 
of sustainable BBBEE initiatives. 

Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  is  assessed  annually  by 
an  accredited  verification  agency  against  the  generic 
scorecard  criteria  set  by  the  Department  of  Trade 
and  Industry  (“dti”).  During  the  period  under  review, 
Mediclinic  Southern  Africa  was  assessed  in  terms  of 
the  new  BBBEE  Codes  of  Good  Practice,  gazetted  in 
2013,  for  the  first  time.  As  anticipated,  this  resulted 
in  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa’s  total  BBBEE  score,  as 
measured  with  regards  to  ownership,  management 
and control, skills development, enterprise and supplier 
development  and 
socio-economic  development, 
declining  from  73.06  to  51.73  during  the  year,  which 
score is currently being reviewed. Mediclinic Southern 
Africa  is  further  reviewing  its  BBBEE  strategy  with  
a view to increase its BBBEE score in future.

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

69

GOVERNANCE AND REMUNERATION
CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

Dear Shareholder,

The  Board  and  I  are  committed  to  maintaining  the  highest  standards  of  corporate  governance,  integrity  and 
ethics, which is embedded in our corporate culture and values. Our corporate governance structures support the 
effective delivery of Mediclinic’s strategy and are focused on maintaining and building a sustainable business and 
supporting our commitment to be a responsible corporate citizen in every country and community in which the 
Group does business. The key elements of our governance structures include:
•  ensuring good clinical outcomes and quality healthcare (refer to the Clinical Services Overview from  

page 37, as well as the Clinical Services Report available on the Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com);

•  upholding strict principles of corporate governance, integrity and ethics (refer to the Corporate 

Governance Statement from page 73); 

•  maintaining effective risk management and internal controls (refer to the report on Risk Management, 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties from page 30);

•  engaging with our stakeholders and responding to their reasonable expectations (refer to the stakeholder 
engagement section in the Sustainable Development Report available on the Company’s website at  
www.mediclinic.com); 

•  managing our business in a sustainable manner (refer to the Sustainable Development Highlights from 

page 54, as well as the Sustainable Development Report available on the Company’s website at  
www.mediclinic.com); and

•  offering our employees competitive remuneration packages based on the principles of fairness and 
affordability (refer to the Directors’ Remuneration Report from page 85, as well as the Sustainable 
Development Report available on the Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com).

In the Corporate Governance Statement that follows, feedback is given on the governance framework, Board 
meetings  and  the  principal  activities  of  the  Board,  the  composition  and  diversity  of  the  Board  and  measures 
to  ensure  the  Board’s  accountability  to  our  stakeholders.  Every  Director  demonstrated  their  commitment  to 
Mediclinic  throughout  the  year,  through  their  meeting  attendance  and  the  high  quality  of  their  contributions 
at  those  meetings.  I  am  pleased  that  the  Board  structure  put  in  place  following  the  Al  Noor  Combination  in  
February 2016 has operated effectively. The internal self-evaluation of the Board conducted during the year did 
not raise any major areas requiring improvement. With the retirement of Craig Tingle, Chief Financial Officer, and 
Ian Tyler, Senior Independent Director, during the year, the Nomination Committee and the Board continued to 
focus on succession planning and targeting diverse pools of talent from which to recruit the right individuals. 

I  remain  confident  that  the  Board,  supported  by  an  effective  management  team  and  an  effective  governance 
structure,  is  well  placed  to  continue  creating  long-term  value  for  stakeholders  and  maintaining  Mediclinic’s 
leading position in the international healthcare market.

AR

CSR

AR

SDR

AR

SDR

AR

SDR

Dr Edwin Hertzog
Non-executive Chairman

70

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The ages of the directors provided herein is as at the Last Practicable Date, being 23 May 2017.

DR EDWIN HERTZOG

Non-executive Chairman 
Age: 67
Nationality: South African
Committee memberships: Clinical Performance and Sustainability Committee (Chairman), Investment Committee (Chairman), 
Nomination Committee (Chairman)

Dr  Edwin  Hertzog*  was  appointed  as  the  Non-executive  Chairman  of  the  Company  on  15  February  2016  upon  the  successful 
combination  of  the  businesses  of  the  Company  (then  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic  International  Limited.  
Prior  to  the  combination,  he  served  as  a  director  of  Mediclinic  International  Limited  since  1983  and  as  the  Chairman  since  1992.  
As  a  specialist  anaesthetist,  he  was  commissioned  by  the  then  Rembrandt  group  (now  Remgro)  in  1983  to  undertake  a 
feasibility  study  on  the  establishment  of  a  private  hospital  group,  and  three  years  later,  in  1986,  Mediclinic  International  Limited  
(then Mediclinic Corporation Limited) was listed on the JSE. He was appointed as the first Managing Director of Mediclinic International 
Limited upon its establishment in 1983. 

He  served  as  executive  Chairman  of  the  company  from  1992  until  August  2012  when  he  retired  from  his  executive  role,  but  
remained  on  the  Board  as  non-executive  Chairman.  He  also  serves  as  the  non-executive  Deputy  Chairman  of  Remgro  and  is  
a  past  non-executive  director  of  the  Distell,  Total  (SA)  and  Trans  Hex  groups;  and  is  also  a  past  Chairman  of  the  Hospital  
Association of South Africa as well as the Council of Stellenbosch University.

Qualifications: M.B.Ch.B.; M.Med.; F.F.A. (SA); and Ph.D. (honoris causa)

*  

 Dr  Edwin  Hertzog’s  non-executive  directorships  listed  above  qualify  as  his  other  significant  commitments,  for  the  purposes  of 
Provision B.3.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

DANIE MEINTJES

Chief Executive Officer 
Age: 60
Nationality: South African
Committee memberships: Clinical Performance 
and Sustainability Committee, Disclosure 
Committee, Investment Committee

Danie  Meintjes  was  appointed  as  an  Executive 
Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the 
Company on 15 February 2016 upon the successful 
combination  of  the  businesses  of  the  Company 
(then  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic 
International  Limited.  Prior  to  the  combination,  he 
served  as  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Mediclinic 
International  Limited  since  2010.  He  has  served 
in  various  management  positions  in  the  Remgro 
group, before joining the Mediclinic Group in 1985 as 
the Hospital Manager of Mediclinic Sandton. He was 
appointed  as  a  member  of  Mediclinic’s  Executive 
Committee  in  1995  and  as  a  director  in  1996.  He 
was seconded to serve as a senior executive of the 
group’s operations in Dubai in 2006 and appointed 
as  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Mediclinic  Middle 
East in 2007.

Qualifications:  He  holds  an  Honours  degree  in 
Industrial Psychology from the University of the Free 
State;  and  completed  the  Advanced  Management 
Program at Harvard Business School. 

JURGENS MYBURGH

Chief Financial Officer
Age: 42
Nationality: South African
Committee memberships: Disclosure Committee, 
Investment Committee

Jurgens  Myburgh  was  appointed  as  an  Executive 
Director  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  of 
the 
Company  on  1  August  2016.  Prior  to  joining  the 
Mediclinic  Group,  he  worked  at  The  Standard 
Bank  of  South  Africa  Limited  as  Executive  Vice 
President  of  Investment  Banking;  and,  since  2014, 
at Datatec Limited, an international information and 
communications technology group, which operates 
in  over  60  countries,  where  he  served  as  the  Chief 
Financial Officer. 

Qualifications:  He  holds  an  Honours  degree  in 
Accounting  from  the  University  of  Johannesburg 
(B.Comm.  (Hons));  and  is  a  qualified  Chartered 
Accountant  with  the  South  African  Institute  of 
Chartered Accountants. 

DESMOND SMITH

JANNIE DURAND

Senior Independent Director
Age: 69
Nationality: South African
Committee memberships: Audit and Risk 
Committee (Chairman), Nomination Committee

Desmond  Smith  was  appointed  as  an  Independent 
Non-executive  Director  of 
the  Company  on  
15  February  2016  upon  the  successful  combination 
of  the  businesses  of  the  Company  (then  Al  Noor 
Hospitals  Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic  International 
Limited.  Prior  to  the  combination,  he  served  as  an 
independent  non-executive  director  of  Mediclinic 
International  Limited  since  2008  and  as  the  Lead 
Independent  Director  since  2010.  He  was  the  
Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the  Sanlam  Group  from  
April 1993 to December 1997 and of the Reinsurance 
Group  of  America  (South  Africa)  from  March  1999 
to March 2005. He is the present Chairman of both 
companies.  During  his  career,  he  has  served  on 
various boards and is also a past-president of both 
the Actuarial Society of South Africa (1996) and the 
International Actuarial Association (2012). 

Qualifications:  He  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Science 
(B.SC.) degree; a fellow of the Actuarial Society of 
South  Africa;  a  Fellow  of  the  Institute  of  Actuaries 
(London);  and  completed  an  International  Senior 
Managers Program at Harvard Business School. 

Non-executive Director
Age: 50
Nationality: South African
Committee memberships: Nomination Committee, 
Investment Committee

Jannie  Durand*  was  appointed  as  a  Non-executive 
Director of the Company on 15 February 2016 upon 
the  successful  combination  of  the  businesses  of 
the  Company  (then  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc) 
and  Mediclinic  International  Limited.  Prior  to  the 
combination, he served as a non-executive director 
of Mediclinic International Limited since 2012. Joining 
the Rembrandt group in 1996, he was appointed as 
the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Remgro  Limited  in 
2012,  which  company  holds  a  44.56%  interest  in 
the  Company.  In  his  current  role,  with  more  than  
20  years’  experience  in  the  investment  industry, 
he  acts  as  a  non-executive  director  of  various 
companies, 
including  Distell  Group  Limited, 
FirstRand  Limited,  Grindrod  Limited,  RCL  Foods 
Limited and RMI Holdings Limited.

Qualifications:  He  holds  an  Honours  degree  in 
Accountancy  from  the  University  of  Stellenbosch 
(B.Acc.  (Hons);  a  Masters  of  Philosophy 
in 
from  Oxford  University 
Management  Studies 
(M.Phil.  (Management  Studies));  and  is  also  a 
qualified  Chartered  Accountant  with  the  South 
African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

*  

 Pieter Uys, the Head of Strategic Investment at Remgro Limited, is appointed 
as the alternate to Jannie Durand since 7 April 2016. Prior to joining Remgro, 
he was a founding member and ultimately became the CEO of the Vodacom 
group, one of the leading mobile networks in Africa. 

 Qualifications:  He  holds  a  M.Eng.  (Electrical)  degree  and  an  MBA  from  the 
University of Stellenbosch.

 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

71

SEAMUS KEATING

Independent Non-executive Director
Age: 53
Nationality: British
Committee memberships: Audit and Risk 
Committee, Investment Committee

the  successful  combination  of 

Seamus  Keating  was  appointed  as  an  Independent 
Non-executive  Director  of  the  Company  (then 
Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc)  on  5  June  2013  and 
continues  to  serve  as  a  director  of  the  Company 
following 
the 
businesses of the Company (then Al Noor Hospitals 
Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic  International  Limited  in 
February 2016. He has over 20 years’ experience in 
the  global  technology  sector  in  both  finance  and 
operational roles and was a main board director of 
Logica plc from 2002 until April 2012 having joined 
Logica  as  Group  Finance  Director  in  1999.  He  was 
Chief Financial Officer of Logica plc from 2002 until 
2010 when he became Chief Operating Officer and 
head  of  its  Benelux  operations.  Prior  to  his  role  at 
Logica  plc,  he  worked  for  the  Olivetti  Group  from 
1989  until  1999  in  senior  finance  roles  in  the  UK 
and  Italy.  Mr  Keating  was  non-executive  director 
and  chairman  of  the  audit  committee  of  Mouchel 
plc  from  November  2010  to  September  2012.  He  is 
currently  Chairman  of  First  Derivatives  plc  and  a 
non-executive  director  of  BGL  Group  Limited.  He 
has been chairman of Mi-pay Group plc since April 
2014. 

Qualifications:  He  is  a  fellow  of  the  Chartered 
Institute of Management Accountants. 

NANDI MANDELA

Independent Non-executive Director
Age: 48
Nationality: South African
Committee membership: Clinical Performance and 
Sustainability Committee

Nandi  Mandela  was  appointed  as  an  Independent 
Non-executive  Director  of 
the  Company  on  
15  February  2016  upon  the  successful  combination 
of  the  businesses  of  the  Company  (then  Al  Noor 
Hospitals  Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic  International 
Limited. Prior to the combination, she served as an 
independent  non-executive  director  of  Mediclinic 
International Limited since 2012. She is a director of 
Linda  Masinga  &  Associates,  a  town  planning  and 
consultancy  firm  since  2003.  Prior  to  that,  she  was 
employed by the Tongaat-Hulett Group from 1992 to 
1997, before joining BP where she worked in various 
sales and public affairs positions from 1997 to 2003. 

(B.Soc.Sc.); 

Qualifications:  She  holds  a  Bachelor’s  degree 
in  Social  Science  from  the  University  of  Cape 
Town 
the  Associate 
in  Management  programme  at  the  University 
of  Cape  Town;  and  obtained  a  Certificate 
in  
Strategic  Management  from  the  New  York  New 
School University. 

completed 

ALAN GRIEVE

Independent Non-executive Director
Age: 64
Nationality: British
Committee memberships: Audit and Risk 
Committee, Disclosure Committee (Chairman), 
Investment Committee 

Alan  Grieve  was  appointed  as  an  Independent  
Non-executive  Director  of 
the  Company  on  
15  February  2016  upon  the  successful  combination 
of  the  businesses  of  the  Company  (then  Al  Noor 
Hospitals  Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic  International 
Limited.  Prior  to  the  combination,  he  served  as  an 
independent  non-executive  director  of  Mediclinic 
International Limited since 2012. Mr Grieve is a non-
executive  director  of  Reinet  Investments  Manager 
S.A.,  having  served  as  Chief  Executive  Officer  of 
the company from 2012 to 2014 and Chief Financial 
Officer  from  2008  to  2011.  He  is  a  former  Director 
of  Corporate  Affairs  of  Compagnie  Financière 
Richemont S.A. Prior to joining the Richemont group 
in 1986, he worked with Price Waterhouse & Co (now 
PricewaterhouseCoopers)  and  Arthur  Young  (now 
Ernst & Young). 

Qualifications:  He  holds  an  Honours  degree  in 
Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University 
(B.A.  (Hons));  and  is  also  a  qualified  Chartered 
Accountant  with 
Institute  of  Chartered 
Accountants. 

the 

PROF DR ROBERT LEU

Independent Non-executive Director
Age: 70
Nationality: Swiss
Committee memberships: Clinical Performance and 
Sustainability Committee, Nomination Committee, 
Remuneration Committee

Prof Dr Robert Leu was appointed as an Independent 
Non-executive  Director  of  the  Company  on  15 
February  2016  upon  the  successful  combination 
of  the  businesses  of  the  Company  (then  Al  Noor 
Hospitals  Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic  International 
Limited.  Prior  to  the  combination,  he  served  as  an 
independent  non-executive  director  of  Mediclinic 
International  Limited  since  2010.  He  is  professor 
emeritus  of  the  University  of  Bern  in  Switzerland. 
Complementary  to  his  academic  career  as  full 
professor  in  economics  at  the  Universities  of  St. 
Gallen  and  Bern,  he  has  acted  as  economic  adviser 
to executive and legislative bodies on all policy levels 
in  Switzerland  and  to  international  institutions,  in 
particular  to  the  WHO,  the  OECD  and  the  World 
Bank. He is a director of Visana AG since 2009 and 
serves  as  the  Vice-President  of  the  company  since 
2014, President of the Alliance for a Free Health Care 
System  in  Switzerland  since  2013,  and  a  director  of 
MG Integrated Care Holding AG in Switzerland since 
April 2017. He was a prior director of Hirslanden AG 
and past President of Arcovita AG.

Qualifications:  He  holds  a  Master’s  degree 
in 
Economics;  and  a  Doctorate  in  Economics  (Ph.D.), 
both from the University of Basel. 

TREVOR PETERSEN

Independent Non-executive Director
Age: 61
Nationality: South African
Committee memberships: Audit and Risk Committee, 
Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee 
(Chairman)

Trevor  Petersen  was  appointed  as  an  Independent  
Non-executive  Director  of 
the  Company  on  
15  February  2016  upon  the  successful  combination  of 
the businesses of the Company (then Al Noor Hospitals 
Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic  International  Limited.  Prior 
to  the  combination,  he  served  as  an  independent  non-
executive  director  of  Mediclinic  International  Limited 
since  2012.  In  1996,  he  resigned  from  the  University 
of  Cape  Town  (“UCT”)  to  take  up  a  partnership  in  the 
merged firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. He served 
as a partner of the national firm from 1997 to 2009 and 
served  as  the  Partner-in-Charge  of  Cape  Town  and  as 
Chairman  of  the  Western  Cape  Region.  Mr  Petersen 
currently  serves  as  the  Chairman  of  the  Finance 
Committee of UCT. He is an independent non-executive 
director on the boards of Petmin Ltd and Media24 (Pty) 
Ltd  (a  subsidiary  of  Naspers  Ltd)  and  is  currently  the 
Managing Trustee of the Woodside Village Trust. Trevor 
has  served  professional  membership  associations  such 
as the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants 
and  was  elected  the  Chairman  of  the  national  body  in 
2006 and 2007. 

Qualifications:  He  holds  an  Honours  degree 
in 
Accountancy  from  the  University  of  Cape  Town 
(B.Comm  (Hons));  and  is  also  a  qualified  Chartered 
Accountant with the South African Institute of Chartered 
Accountants.

72

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SENIOR MANAGEMENT 

SENIOR MANAGEMENT 

The  ages  of  the  executive  management  members  provided  herein  is  as  at  the  Last  Practicable  Date,  being  
23 May 2017. 

The  Group  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Danie  Meintjes,  is  supported  by  an  experienced  and  capable  executive 
management  team,  with  extensive  industry  experience  and  organisational  knowledge.  The  continued  growth 
of  Mediclinic  is  testament  to  the  strong  management  team  and  their  ability  to  successfully  execute  the  
Group’s strategy.

The  biographies  of  Danie  Meintjes,  Chief  Executive  Officer,  and  Jurgens  Myburgh,  Chief  Financial  Officer  are 
provided on page 70 of the Annual Report.

AR

GERT HATTINGH

Chief Corporate Services Officer

Age: 52
Nationality: South African

joined  the  Mediclinic  Group 

Gert  Hattingh 
in 
1991  as  group  accountant.  He  served  in  various 
management  positions  in  the  Mediclinic  Group  and 
was  appointed  as  the  Company  Secretary  in  2010 
and  Group  Services  Executive  in  2011.  Subsequent 
to  the  combination  of  the  businesses  of  the 
Company  (then  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc)  and 
Mediclinic  International  Limited  in  February  2016,  
he  no  longer  serves  as  the  Company  Secretary,  
but  holds 
the  position  of  Chief  Corporate  
Services Officer. 

Qualifications:  He  holds  an  Honours  degree  in 
Accountancy  from  the  University  of  Stellenbosch 
(B.Acc. 
the  Advanced 
Management  Program  at  Harvard  Business  School; 
and is also a qualified Chartered Accountant with the 
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

completed 

(Hons)); 

DR RONNIE VAN DER MERWE

Chief Clinical Officer

Age: 54
Nationality: South African

Dr Ronnie van der Merwe is a specialist anaesthetist 
who  worked  in  the  medical  insurance  industry 
before joining the Group in 1999 as Clinical Manager. 
He  established  the  Clinical  Information,  Advanced 
Information  Management  and 
Analytics,  Health 
Clinical  Services  functions  at  Mediclinic,  and  is 
currently appointed as the Mediclinic Group’s Chief 
Clinical  Officer  since  2007.  He  was  appointed  as  a 
director  of  Mediclinic  International  Limited  in  2010 
up  to  the  combination  of  the  businesses  of  the 
Company  (then  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc)  and 
Mediclinic International Limited. 

Qualifications: He holds a medical degree from the 
University  of  Stellenbosch  (M.B.Ch.B.);  a  diploma 
in  anaesthetics  from  the  College  of  Anaesthetists 
of  South  Africa  (DA  (SA));  the  Fellowship  of  the 
College  of  Anaesthetists  of  South  Africa  (F.C.A. 
(SA));  and  completed  the  Advanced  Management 
Programme at Harvard Business School.

KOERT PRETORIUS

Chief Executive Officer: Mediclinic  
Southern Africa

Age: 54
Nationality: South African

Koert  Pretorius  joined  the  Group  in  1998  as  the 
regional manager of the central region of Mediclinic’s 
operations  in  South  Africa,  after  which  he  was 
appointed  as  the  Chief  Operating  Officer  of  the 
Mediclinic Group in 2003. He was appointed as the 
Chief Executive Officer of Mediclinic Southern Africa 
in  2008  and  also  served  as  a  director  of  Mediclinic 
International Limited in 2006 up to the combination 
of  the  businesses  of  the  Company  (then  Al  Noor 
Hospitals  Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic  International 
Limited. 

Qualifications:  He  holds  a  Bachelor  degree  in 
Accounting  Science  from  the  University  of  the 
Free  State  (B.Compt.);  and  a  Master  of  Business 
Leadership  degree  from  the  University  of  South 
Africa (MBL).

DR DIRK LE ROUX

Chief Information Officer

Age: 57
Nationality: South African

Dr Dirk le Roux joined Mediclinic in August 2014 as 
the Group ICT Executive. Prior to joining Mediclinic, 
he  served  in  various  managerial  roles  including  as 
Managing  Director  of  ThinkWorx  Consulting,  Chief 
Information  Officer  at  Media24,  General  Manager 
for  IT  Strategy  and  Risk  at  Absa  Bank  Limited,  as 
well as the Head of IT at the Development Bank of 
Southern Africa. 

Qualifications:  He  holds  a  D.Com.  (Informatics) 
degree from the University of Pretoria; a Masters in 
Business Administration (cum laude); a Postgraduate 
Diploma  in  Data  Metrics;  and  a  Bachelor  in  Civil 
Engineering.

DAVID HADLEY

Chief Executive Officer: Mediclinic Middle East 

Age: 43
Nationality: British

David  Hadley  joined  the  Mediclinic  Group  in  1993, 
and  worked  in  a  variety  of  administrative  roles  in 
human  resources,  finance,  operations  and  hospital 
management  before  being  seconded  to  Dubai  in 
2007  to  oversee  the  opening  of  Mediclinic  City 
Hospital.  He  was  appointed  as  the  Chief  Executive 
Officer  of  Mediclinic  Middle  East  in  2009  and  has 
also  served  as  a  member  of  Mediclinic’s  Executive 
Committee since 2011. 

Qualifications:  He  holds  a  Bachelor’s  degree  in 
Commerce from the University of South Africa and a 
Master in Business Administration (with distinction) 
from the University of Liverpool.

DR OLE WIESINGER

Chief Executive Officer: Hirslanden

Age: 54
Nationality: German

Dr  Ole  Wiesinger  joined  the  Hirslanden  group  in 
2004  as  the  Hospital  Manager  of  Klinik  Hirslanden. 
He was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of 
the  Hirslanden  group  and  also  served  as  a  director 
of Mediclinic International Limited from 2008 up to 
the combination of the businesses of the Company 
(then  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc)  and  Mediclinic 
International  Limited.  Prior  to  joining  Hirslanden, 
he  served  in  various  management  positions  of  the 
MGS Euromed Group in Germany from 1995 and was 
appointed  as  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  MGS 
Euromed Group from 2003 to 2004. 

Qualifications:  He  holds  a  doctorate  in  medicine 
from  the  University  of  Erlangen,  Germany  (Ph.D.); 
and  a  Postgraduate  Diploma  in  Health  Economics 
from the European Business School, Germany.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

73

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION

The Board of Directors is accountable to the Company’s 
shareholders  for  ensuring  the  sound  management 
and  long-term  success  of  the  Group.  This  can  only 
be achieved if the Board is supported by appropriate 
governance  processes  to  ensure  that  the  Group  is 
managed  responsibly  and  with  integrity,  fairness, 
transparency  and  accountability.  This  Corporate 
Governance Statement describes the key elements of 
Mediclinic’s corporate governance framework. 

A  Group  Corporate  Governance  Manual,  dealing  with 
Board practices and Group policies, provides guidance 
to the company secretaries, boards and management 
of  the  Company  and  its  three  operating  platforms 
in  Southern  Africa,  Switzerland  and  the  United  Arab 
Emirates  to  ensure  that  similar  corporate  governance 
practices are followed throughout the Group.

COMPLIANCE WITH UK 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE 
AND LISTING RULES

The  Board  is  committed  to  maintaining  the  highest 
standards  of  corporate  governance  and  the  highest 
standards  of  integrity  and  ethics.  The  UK  Corporate 
Governance  Code  (the  “UK  Corporate  Governance 
Code”  or  the  “Code”),  most  recently  updated 
in  April  2016  by  the  Financial  Reporting  Council 
(the  “FRC”)  and  available  on  the  FRC’s  website  at  
www.frc.org.uk,  contains  a  series  of  broad  principles 
and  specific  provisions  which  embody  good  practice 
in  relation  to  five  key  areas:  leadership,  effectiveness, 
accountability, 
relations  with 
remuneration  and 
shareholders. This report, together with the Directors’ 
Remuneration  Report  and 
the  various  Board 
committee  reports  included  in  this  Annual  Report, 
describes  how  the  Board  applied  the  main  principles 
of the Code and complied with its provisions. 

During the year under review and up to the date of this 
report, the Company complied with all the provisions 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code, other than the 
exceptions noted below:
•  Provision B.2.1 (regarding the Nomination 
Committee leading the process for Board 
appointments and making recommendations  
to the Board)
Appointments  to  the  Board  are  recommended  by 
the  Nomination  Committee  and  further  details  on 
the  Committee  and  the  appointment  process  can 
be  found  on  pages  108  to  110.  In  accordance  with 
the  Company’s  relationship  agreement  with  its 
principal  shareholder,  Remgro  Limited  (“Remgro”), 
further  details  of  which  are  provided  on  page  125, 
Remgro  is  entitled  to  appoint  up  to  a  maximum 
of  three  Directors  to  the  Board.  Jannie  Durand 
represents  Remgro  on  the  Board  of  Directors  and 
was appointed by Remgro in the previous reporting 
period  on  15  February  2016.  His  appointment  was 
therefore  not  led  by  the  Nomination  Committee. 

the  Nomination  Committee 

With  the  exception  of  this  appointment,  made 
in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  relationship 
leads 
agreement, 
the  process  for  Board  appointments  and  makes 
recommendations to the Board in accordance with 
the Code. No new Board appointments were made 
in terms of the Relationship Agreement during the 
year under review.

•  Provision D.2.1 (regarding having at least three 

independent non-executive directors serving on the 
Remuneration Committee)
Ian  Tyler,  who  served  as  an  independent  non-
executive member of the Remuneration Committee, 
resigned  as  a  Director  on  21  February  2017.  From 
the date of his resignation up to the appointment of 
Seamus  Keating  as  an  independent  non-executive 
member  of  the  Remuneration  Committee  on  
17  March  2017,  the  Remuneration  Committee  had 
only  two 
independent  non-executive  members 
and did not meet the requirement to have at least  
three  independent  non-executive  members.  The 
Company fully complied with this requirement apart 
from this short period between 21 February 2017 and 
17  March  2017,  during  which  period  no  committee 
meetings were held.

•  Provision E.1.1 (regarding the attendance by the 
Senior Independent Director (“SID”) of sufficient 
meetings with a range of major shareholders)
The Company has not met the requirement that the 
“SID should attend sufficient meetings with a range 
of  major  shareholders  to  listen  to  their  views  in 
order to help develop a balanced understanding of 
the issues and concerns of major shareholders”. This 
provision  of  the  Code,  supports  the  main  principle 
of  the  Code  requiring  dialogue  with  shareholders 
based on a mutual understanding of objectives and 
that  the  Chairman  should  ensure  that  all  Directors 
are made aware of their major shareholders’ issues 
and  concerns,  with  which  the  Company  complies. 
The  Board  believes  that  appropriate  mechanisms 
are  in  place  to  engage  with  shareholders,  without 
the need for the SID to attend meetings with major 
shareholders.  The  SID  is,  however,  available  to 
attend such meetings if requested by shareholders. 
Although  the  SID  and  any  other  Non-executive 
Directors  have  the  opportunity  to  attend  analyst 
presentations hosted by the Company, the principal 
engagement  with  the  capital  markets  lies  mainly 
with CEO, CFO and the Head of Investor Relations, 
who  provide  regular  feedback  to  the  Board  on 
investor  relations  matters,  including,  inter  alia,  an 
overview  of  meetings  held  with  investors.  Refer 
to  pages  83  to  84  for  more  information  on  the 
Company’s shareholder engagement. 

In  addition  to  complying  with  applicable  corporate 
governance requirements in the UK in accordance with 
its primary listing on the LSE, the Board is also satisfied 
that  the  Company  meets  all  relevant  requirements  of 
the  JSE  Listings  Requirements  and  the  NSX  Listings 
Requirements  as  a  result  of  its  secondary  listings  on 
the JSE, the South African securities exchange, and the 
NSX, the Namibian securities exchange.

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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

BOARD STRUCTURE  
AND ROLES

The  Board  has  full  and  effective  control  of 
the  Company  and  all  material  resolutions 
are  approved  by  the  Board.  The  Board  has 
adopted  a  robust  corporate  governance 
in  Figure  1, 
framework,  as  summarised 
which assists the Board in the exercise of its 
responsibilities,  providing  strategic  direction 
to the Company in order to create long-term 
shareholder  value.  A  Board  Charter  sets  out 
the key responsibilities of the Chairman, SID, 
Non-executive Directors, Executive Directors, 
the Chief Executive Officer and the Company 
Secretary. It further demonstrates the roles of 
the various Board committees.

BOARD COMMITTEES

The Board has delegated authority to the Board 
committees  to  carry  out  certain  tasks  on  its 
behalf, in order to operate efficiently and give 
the  right  level  of  attention  and  consideration 
to  relevant  matters,  while  reserving  the 
authority  to  approve  certain  key  matters,  as 
documented  in  the  Group’s  authority  levels 
and  reserved  matters,  which  is  reviewed 
annually by the Board. The key responsibilities 
of 
the 
the  Board  committees,  namely 
Audit  and  Risk  Committee,  Remuneration 
Committee,  Nomination  Committee,  Clinical 
Performance  and  Sustainability  Committee, 
Investment  Committee  and  the  Disclosure 
Committee,  are  summarised  in  Figure  1.  The 
terms  of  reference  of  each  Board  committee 
are  available  on  the  Company’s  website. 
Reports on the role, composition and activities 
of  the  Remuneration  Committee,  Nomination 
Committee,  Audit  and  Risk  Committee  and 
the  Clinical  Performance  and  Sustainability 
Committee are included in this Annual Report.

During  the  year,  the  Board  approved  the 
constitution  of  the  Disclosure  Committee, 
previously  a  management  committee,  as  a 
Board committee.

SEPARATION OF CHAIRMAN 
AND CEO ROLES

as 

summarised 

the  Chairman  and 

There  is  a  distinct  division  of  responsibilities 
the  Chief 
between 
Executive  Officer, 
in  
Figure 1. The separation of authority, which is 
set  out  in  writing  and  agreed  by  the  Board, 
enhances independent oversight of executive 
management  by  the  Board  and  helps  to 
ensure that no one individual on the Board has 
unfettered powers or authority.

FIGURE 1: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

CHAIRMAN

Dr Edwin Hertzog

Key responsibilities
•  Leads the Board. 
•  Ensures the effective 
performance of the Board.
•  Works closely with the CEO  

to ensure the 
implementation of Board-
approved actions.
•  Ensures effective 

communications with 
shareholders.

The Chairman’s other 
significant commitments are 
indicated in his biography on 
page 70.

SENIOR INDEPENDENT 
DIRECTOR

Desmond Smith

for the Chairman.

Key responsibilities
•  Provides a sounding board  
•  Acts, if necessary, as a focal 
point and intermediary for 
other Directors.

•  Available to shareholders 
should they have concerns 
if contacts outside the 
normal channels is required.
•  Leads the annual appraisal 

of the Chairman’s 
performance and Non-
executive Directors’ 
independence.

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BOARD

Membership: 
Non-executive Chairman, one other Non-executive Director, six 
Independent Non-executive Directors and two Executive Directors

extent of the principal risks it is willing to take. 

Key responsibilities
•  Responsible for the effective oversight of the Company.
•  Agrees the strategic direction of the Group and the nature and 
•  Establishes the governance structure, corporate reporting, risk 
management and internal control principles for the Group.
•  Sets appropriate values, ethical standards and behaviours and 
•  Accountable to shareholders for the long-term success of the 
•  Delegates authority to Board committees to carry out certain  

ensures they are embedded throughout the Group. 

Group and delivering value to shareholders. 

tasks on its behalf.

The biographies of the Board members are set out on pages 70 to 71.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Danie Meintjes –  
Chief Executive Officer
Jurgens Myburgh –  
Chief Financial Officer

Key responsibilities
•  Contribute detailed insight 
of the operations of the 
business enabling the Board 
to determine feasibility and 
practicality of proposed 
strategies, goals and 
direction.

•  Making and implementing 
operational decisions. 

Danie Meintjes

Key responsibilities
•  Leads and oversees the 
executive management 
team.

the Group.

•  Manages the business of  
•  Develops and oversees the 
implementation of Board-
approved actions, the 
strategic direction of the 
Group and its commercial 
objectives. 

•  Ensures appropriate 

governance standards are 
embedded throughout the 
Group.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

75

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

Jannie Durand, Alan Grieve, Seamus 
Keating, Prof Dr Robert Leu, Nandi Mandela, 
Trevor Petersen, Desmond Smith

Membership
Four Independent Non-executive 
Directors 

strategy.

management. 

Key responsibilities
•  Support the development of the Group’s 
•  Scrutinise the performance of 
•  Provide constructive challenge, drawing 
on their skills, experience and judgement.
•  Monitor the reporting of performance. 
•  Satisfy themselves on the integrity of the 
Group’s financial reporting and on the 
effectiveness of its financial controls and 
risk management systems.
•  Determine the remuneration of 
•  Appointment / removal of Directors and 

Executive Directors. 

review succession planning.

Key responsibilities
•  Reviews and monitors the 

integrity of the Group’s financial 
reporting.

•  Reviews and monitors the Group’s 
relationship with the external 
auditor and the effectiveness of 
the external audit.

•  Reviews the effectiveness 

of the Group’s internal audit 
arrangements. 

•  Reviews and monitors the 
effectiveness of the Groups 
risk management and internal 
controls systems.

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE AND 
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

Membership
Two Independent Non-executive, 
one Non-executive and one 
Executive Director 

Key responsibilities
•  Monitors clinical performance 
throughout the Group. 
•  Promotes culture of 
excellence in patient  
safety, quality of care and 
patient experience.
•  Monitors the sustainable 

development performance  
of the Group. 

•  Ensures the Group is a good 
and responsible corporate 
citizen. 

COMPANY SECRETARY

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Capita Company Secretarial Services

Key responsibilities
•  Acts as secretary to the Board and its 
•  Provides advice and guidance to 

Committees.

the Board collectively and Directors 
individually with regard to their duties, 
responsibilities and powers.

•  Ensures the effective administration 
of proceedings and matters related 
to the Board, the Company and its 
shareholders.

Membership
Three Independent Non-executive 
Directors 

Key responsibilities
•  Makes recommendations to the 
Board on the Company’s policy 
on executive remuneration.
•  Establishes the parameters and 
governance of the remuneration 
policy. 

•  Determines the remuneration 
and benefits package for 
individual Executive Directors 
and other members of executive 
management.

Membership
Two Independent Non-executive, 
two Non-executive and two 
Executive Directors 

Key responsibilities
•  Reviews and approves 

proposed investments and 
capital expenditures within 
its authority levels.
•  Reviews and makes 

recommendations to the 
Board regarding proposed 
investments and capital 
expenditures that exceed  
its own authority level.
•  Monitors performance of 
approved investments.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE

Membership
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial 
Officer, Group Corporate Services Executive, 
Chief Clinical Officer, Group ICT Executive 
and three Operating Platform Chief 
Executive Officers 

Key responsibilities
•  Responsible for the executive 
•  Considers investment opportunities, 

management of the Group’s businesses.

operational matters and other aspects of 
strategic importance to the Group and 
make recommendations to the Board. 
•  Performs any other functions delegated 

to management by the Board. 

Membership
Three Independent Non-executive 
and two Non-executive Directors 

Key responsibilities
•  Reviews the structure, size, and 
composition of the Board.
•  Identifies and recommends 
potential candidates to be 
appointed as Directors or 
members of Board committees, 
as the need arises.

•  Reviews succession planning. 

Membership
One Independent Non-executive 
Director and two Executive 
Directors 

Key responsibilities
•  Identifies inside information 
and makes recommendations 
about how and when such 
information should be 
disclosed. 

•  Reviews and monitors 
internal arrangements 
regarding inside information 
in accordance with the EU 
Market Abuse Regulation.

The biographies of the Executive Committee 
members are set out on page 72.

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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

BOARD MEETINGS

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Individual Directors’ attendance at Board and Board committee meetings is considered as part of the formal annual 
review of their performance. Where a Director is unable to attend a Board or committee meeting, they communicate 
their comments and observations on the matters to be considered in advance of the meeting via the Chairman, the 
SID or relevant Board committee chairman for raising as appropriate during the meeting. The attendance of the Board 
meetings held during the year under review is set out in Figure 2. The attendance of the Investment Committee and 
the Disclosure Committee meetings held during the year under review is set out in Figure 3 and Figure 4, respectively.

FIGURE 2: BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE

NAME1

DESIGNATION

Dr Edwin Hertzog
Danie Meintjes
Jurgens Myburgh3
Desmond Smith
Jannie Durand
Alan Grieve
Seamus Keating
Prof Dr Robert Leu
Nandi Mandela
Trevor Petersen
Craig Tingle4
Ian Tyler5

Non-executive Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Independent Director
Non-executive Director
Independent Non-executive Director
Independent Non-executive Director
Independent Non-executive Director
Independent Non-executive Director
Independent Non-executive Director
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Independent Director

FIGURE 3: INVESTMENT COMMITTEE MEETING ATTENDANCE

NAME1

DESIGNATION

DATE OF
APPOINTMENT

15/02/2016
15/02/2016
01/08/2016
15/02/2016
15/02/2016
15/02/2016
05/06/2013
15/02/2016
15/02/2016
15/02/2016
15/02/2016
05/06/2013

NUMBER  
OF BOARD
MEETINGS
ATTENDED2

7 of 8
8 of 8
4 of 4
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
3 of 3
6 of 7

DATE OF
APPOINTMENT
(AS COMMITTEE
MEMBER)

NUMBER OF
COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
ATTENDED

Dr Edwin Hertzog  
(Committee Chairman)
Danie Meintjes
Jurgens Myburgh3
Jannie Durand
Alan Grieve
Seamus Keating
Craig Tingle4

Non-executive Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Non-executive Director
Independent Non-executive Director
Independent Non-executive Director
Chief Financial Officer

19/02/2016
19/02/2016
01/08/2016
19/02/2016
19/02/2016
19/02/2016
19/02/2016

4 of 5
5 of 5
4 of 4
3 of 56
4 of 5
5 of 5
1 of 1

FIGURE 4: DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE MEETING ATTENDANCE

NAME1

DESIGNATION

DATE OF
APPOINTMENT
(AS COMMITTEE
MEMBER)

NUMBER OF
COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
ATTENDED7

Alan Grieve8  
(Committee Chairman)
Danie Meintjes
Jurgens Myburgh3
Craig Tingle4
Ian Tyler5  
(Committee Chairman)
Gert Hattingh9

Independent Non-executive Director
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer

Senior Independent Director 
Chief Corporate Services Officer

17/03/2017
15/02/2016
01/08/2016
15/02/2016

05/06/2013
15/02/2016

n/a
3 of 4
4 of 4
n/a

4 of 4
4 of 4

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

77

 Biographies of all the current Directors are provided on pages 70 to 71.

 Jurgens Myburgh was appointed as an Executive Director and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company on 1 August 2016.

Notes
1 
2   Since year end, the Board met once and all members attended. 
3 
4  Craig Tingle retired as an Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company on 15 June 2016.
5 
6 

Ian Tyler resigned as an Independent Non-executive Director and the SID of the Company on 21 February 2017.
 The two Investment Committee meetings that could not be attended by Jannie Durand during the year were attended by his 
alternate, Pieter Uys.

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7  Since year end, the Disclosure Committee met four times at which meetings a quorum was present.
8  Alan Grieve was appointed as a member of the Disclosure Committee on 17 March 2017.
9 

 Gert  Hattingh,  not  being  a  Board  member,  was  removed  as  a  member  of  the  Disclosure  Committee  on  30  March  2017 
subsequent to the constitution of the committee as a Board committee, previously a management committee. 

The attendance of the other Board committee meetings is set out in the reports of the Audit and Risk Committee, 
the  Nomination  Committee,  the  Remuneration  Committee  and  the  Clinical  Performance  and  Sustainability 
Committee included in this Annual Report. 

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PRINCIPAL BOARD ACTIVITIES

Figure 5 outlines a number of specific areas that the Board focused on during the year under review. The Board’s 
annual  agenda  plan  is  designed  to  ensure  that  sufficient  time  is  allocated  to  ensure  all  necessary  matters  are 
addressed. The agendas are adjusted throughout the course of the year, to prioritise issues and ensure focused 
consideration of strategic priorities. Sufficient time is provided for the Chairman to meet privately with the SID 
and Non-executive Directors to discuss any issues arising.

FIGURE 5: PRINCIPAL BOARD ACTIVITIES

STRATEGY AND BUSINESS PLANS

The Board considered progress against the 2016/17 Group strategic themes and reviewed the 2017/18 
strategic objectives, business plans, budgets and five-year forecasts, including the viability assessment of the 
Group and the three operating platforms, which was approved in May 2017. Refer to Our Strategy, Progress 
and Aims from page 24.

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At each Board meeting, the CEO provides a report on the Group’s investment in Spire and the operating 
platforms’ performance, economic and regulatory environment, and new business developments. Particular 
focus was placed on the integration of the Abu Dhabi-based Al Noor business into the Mediclinic Middle 
East platform, including the divestment of certain units. At regular intervals, the operating platforms’ CEOs 
presented a detailed business overview of their respective platform to the Board.

The Board reviewed the Group’s growth strategy, confirming the Group’s sustained successful track record 
through expansion of existing facilities and acquisitions. A number of growth opportunities within existing 
markets were considered and approved, including the acquisition of the 25% minority interest in Al Madar 
Medical Centre in the UAE; divestment in certain clinics in the UAE; the upgrade and expansion of Mediclinic 
Brits, Mediclinic Legae, Mediclinic Cape Gate, Mediclinic Bloemfontein, Mediclinic Nelspruit and Mediclinic 
Vereeniging in South Africa; the establishment of a medical centre in Cham in close proximity to Hirslanden 
Andreas Klinik in Switzerland; and the expansion of consulting rooms and the creation of an intermediate 
care unit at Hirslanden Klinik Birshof in Basel, Switzerland. Refer to the Divisional Reviews of the operating 
platforms from page 44. 

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The Board considered and approved capital investments recommended by the Investment Committee, 
including a new electronic health record and revenue cycle management system for the Middle East 
platform.

Progress on significant investments approved by the Board was monitored. The framework for monitoring 
capital expenditure was approved.

CLINICAL SERVICES

The Board considered reports from the Chief Clinical Officer on a regular basis, focussing on matters 
such as the review and development of clinical indicators, patient safety, infection prevention and control, 
accreditation and clinical information systems across the Group.

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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

FIGURE 5: PRINCIPAL BOARD ACTIVITIES (continued)

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE, REPORTING, TAX STRATEGY AND DIVIDEND POLICY

At each Board meeting, the CFO provides a report on the Group’s financial performance.

The Board reviewed and approved the interim results announcement, Annual Report and results 
announcement, results presentations, and trading updates, with support of the Disclosure Committee.

The Board approved the interim and final dividend declarations in terms of the Company’s dividend policy and 
the implementation of a dividend access scheme to create a mechanism for payment to South African-resident 
shareholders on the South African register, as approved by the Company’s shareholders in July 2016.

The Board considered and approved management’s assessment of the Company as a going concern and its 
viability over the longer-term. Refer to the Audit and Risk Committee Report on pages 116 to 117.

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The Board considered the Group’s capital structure following the Combination of Mediclinic International 
Limited and Al Noor Hospitals Group plc and approved the refinancing of the bridge facility associated with 
the Combination of the two companies, as announced in June 2016.

The Board adopted a Group tax strategy, also requiring country-by-country reporting.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROLS

The Group Risk Manager provides feedback to the Board twice annually, providing an overview of the 
Group’s risk appetite, risk management and internal control systems and compliance oversight. Refer to the 
report on Risk Management, Principal Risks and Uncertainties from page 30.

The Board conducted a robust assessment and agreed the principal risks for the Group, including the 
management and mitigation of these risks, including the effect of regulatory developments governing tariffs.

INTERNAL AUDIT

The Board monitored progress on the development of the Company’s in-house Internal Audit function, 
to facilitate the transition away from the current outsourcing of the function to Remgro, the Company’s 
principal shareholder. Refer to the Audit and Risk Committee Report on pages 119 to 120.

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ICT

The Board considered reports from the Chief Information Officer on a regular basis. The Chief Information 
Officer is also invited to once annually present a detailed ICT strategic overview to the Board.

Conducted a review of the Group’s cybersecurity. Received assurances regarding the risk factors, potential 
impact, existing controls and mitigants and proposed enhancements.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board considered developments in corporate governance and disclosure requirements, including 
the updated UK Corporate Governance Code, the updated statement by the Company in terms of the 
Modern Slavery Act, feedback from the Audit and Risk Committee in respect of tax and non-audit services 
disclosures, feedback from the Remuneration Committee in relation to executive remuneration and feedback 
from the Nomination Committee in relation to diversity.

The Board reviewed and approved all Group policies and procedures, including in relation to:
•  Board Charter and committees’ terms of reference;
• 
authority levels and matters reserved for the Board;
•  business conduct and ethics;
• 
• 
•  Board diversity; 
•  EU Market Abuse Regulation; and
• 

anti-bribery;
sustainable development and environment; 

tax strategy.

SUSTAINABILITY

The Board approved the expansion of the role and responsibilities of the Quality Committee to also 
include sustainability functions from May 2016, and renamed the committee to the Clinical Performance 
and Sustainability Committee. The Board considers the feedback by the committee after each committee 
meeting. Refer to the Clinical Performance and Sustainability Committee Report from page 111.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

79

FIGURE 5: PRINCIPAL BOARD ACTIVITIES (continued)

LEADERSHIP

The Board approved the appointment of Pieter Uys as an alternate to Jannie Durand in April 2016, and of 
Jurgens Myburgh as CFO in August 2016, upon the recommendation of the Nomination Committee.

The Board reviewed outcomes and agreed actions after internal self-evaluation of the Board, Board 
committees, the Chairman, individual Directors and the Company Secretary. Refer to page 81.

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After the resignation of Ian Tyler, the composition of the Board committees was considered with certain 
amendments made, as announced in March 2017.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

In support of improved investor relations, the Board endorsed management’s appointment of a Head of 
Investor Relations, which process was done in consultation with the Senior Independent Director at the time, 
Ian Tyler.

The Board considered feedback on engagement with investors, together with an analysis of the Company’s 
share register.

The Board approved the arrangements with the Company’s strategic black partners in terms of a black 
ownership initiative to formalise their shareholding in the Company, as announced in September 2016.

BOARD COMPOSITION AND 
DIVERSITY

The  delivery  of  the  Company’s  long-term  strategy 
depends  on  attracting  and  retaining  the  right  skills 
across the Group, starting with the Board of Mediclinic. 
A  list  of  the  Company’s  current  Directors,  including 
their  biographies,  who  were  in  office  during  the  year 
and up to the date of signing the financial statements, 
can be found on pages 70 to 71 and page 76.

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As  at  31  March  2017  and  as  at  the  date  of  this 
report,  the  Board  comprised  the  non-executive 
Chairman,  a  Non-executive  Director,  six  Independent  
Non-executive Directors, and two Executive Directors 
from  wide-ranging  backgrounds  and  with  varying 
industry  and  professional  experience.  The  Company 
complies with the Code’s recommendation that at least 
half the Board should be independent.

The  Company’s  Chairman,  Dr  Edwin  Hertzog,  is  not 
considered  to  be  an  independent  Director  given 
his  involvement  as  Chief  Executive  of  Mediclinic 
International  Limited  until  his  appointment  as 
Chairman  in  1992  and  his  position  as  non-executive 
Deputy  Chairman  of  Remgro  Limited,  the  principal 
shareholder  of  the  Company.  Nonetheless,  given  his  
in-depth  industry  knowledge  and  experience,  the 
Board considers it in the best interests of the Company 
that he serves as Chairman.

Mediclinic  recognises  the  importance  and  benefits 
of  having  a  diverse  Board  and  believes  that  diversity 
at  Board  level  is  an  essential  element  in  maintaining 
a  competitive  advantage.  The  Board  considers  that 
diversity  is  not  limited  to  gender  and  that  a  diverse 
Board  will  include  and  make  good  use  of  differences 
in  the  skills,  geographic  and  industry  experience, 
background,  race,  gender  and  other  characteristics  
of Directors. 

in 

The Board seeks to construct an effective, robust, well 
balanced and complementary Board, whose capability 
is appropriate for the nature, complexity and strategic 
demands of the business. The Nomination Committee 
leads  the  process  for  Board  appointments  as  further 
detailed 
the  Nomination  Committee  Report.  
The  Board  and  the  Nomination  Committee  actively 
consider  the  structure,  size  and  composition  of  the 
Board  and  its  committees  when  contemplating  new 
appointments  and  succession  planning  for  the  year 
ahead.  A  range  of  diversity  factors  will  be  taken  into 
account  in  determining  the  optimum  composition 
of  the  Board  and  its  committees,  together  with  the 
need  to  balance  their  composition  and  refresh  this 
progressively over time.

The  Company’s  Non-executive  Directors  come 
from  a  wide  range  of 
industries,  backgrounds 
and  geographic 
locations  and  have  appropriate 
experience  of  organisations  with  international  reach. 
While  the  Board  recognises  that  the  existing  skills 
and  expertise  of  the  current  Directors  are  extensive, 
the  Nomination  Committee  continues  to  consider 
the  appointment  of  additional  Independent  Non-
executive  Directors  to  further  strengthen  the  Board 
and  its  committees’  with  diverse  expertise  and  to 
increase  the  female  representation  on  the  Board.  
No quota regarding gender balance has been imposed; 
however, the Nomination Committee and Board remain 
committed  to  ensuring  that  the  business  benefits 
from  a  diverse  Board.  Accordingly,  when  considering 
Board appointments and internal promotions at senior 
level,  the  Company  will  continue  to  take  account  of 
relevant  voluntary  guidelines  and  the  performance  of 
peer  companies  in  fulfilling  their  role  with  regards  to 
diversity,  whilst  seeking  to  ensure  that  each  post  is 
offered strictly on merit to the best available candidate.

80

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

AR

AR

During  the  year,  the  Nomination  Committee  reviewed  and  updated  its  Board  Diversity  Policy.  The  Board’s 
diversity policy statement is set out on page 79. For details on the diversity of the Group, including a breakdown 
by gender, age and race (only for South Africa) on the Board and senior management roles see the Directors’ 
Report on page 127. Figure 6 provides an overview of the Board’s composition and diversity in terms of gender 
and experience.

FIGURE 6: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

20%

10%

6%

6%

41%

60%

20%

90%

Male

Female

Independent 
Non-executive

Non-executive

Executive

6%

6%

12%

23%

Financial services
(accounting, 
banking, 
insurance)

Healthcare

Technology

Academia

Infrastructure

Industrials

Consumer goods

INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL 
ADVICE

DIRECTORS’ INDUCTION AND 
TRAINING

All  Directors  may  seek  independent  professional 
advice  in  connection  with  their  roles  as  Directors.  All 
Directors have access to the advice and services of the 
Company  Secretary  at  the  expense  of  the  Company. 
The  Company  has  provided  for  both  indemnities  and 
directors’  and  officers’  insurance  to  the  Directors  in 
connection with their duties and responsibilities.

APPOINTMENT AND TENURE

All Non-executive Directors serve on the basis of letters 
of  appointment  which  are  available  for  inspection 
at  the  Company’s  registered  office.  The  letters  of 
appointment  set  out  the  time  commitment  expected 
of  Non-executive  Directors  who,  on  appointment, 
undertake  that  they  will  have  sufficient  time  to  meet 
their requirements.

The Non-executive Directors are appointed for a term 
of three years, subject to earlier termination, including 
provision for early termination by either the Company 
or the Non-executive Director on three months’ notice. 

The  Chairman,  with  the  support  of  the  Company 
Secretary,  is  responsible  for  the  induction  of  new 
Directors and ongoing development of all Directors. 

Upon  appointment,  all  Directors  were  provided 
with  training  in  respect  of  their  legal,  regulatory 
and  governance 
responsibilities  and  obligations 
in  accordance  with  the  UK  regulatory  regime.  
Jurgens Myburgh, as CFO, and Pieter Uys, as alternate 
to  Jannie  Durand,  were  appointed  during  the  year 
and  have  each  undertaken  a  comprehensive  Board 
induction programme tailored to their individual needs 
and requirements. The induction includes face-to-face 
meetings with executive management and operational 
site  visits  to  orientate  and  familiarise  them  with  our 
industry,  organisation,  business,  strategy,  commercial 
objectives and key risks.

The  training  needs  of  the  Directors  are  periodically 
discussed  at  Board  meetings  and  briefings  are 
arranged  on  issues  relating  to  corporate  governance 
and other areas of importance.

The Board is kept up to date on legal, regulatory and 
governance  matters  at  Board  meetings.  Additional 
training is available on request, where appropriate, so 
that  Directors  can  update  their  skills  and  knowledge 
as applicable. 

 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

81

DIRECTOR ELECTION/ 
RE-ELECTION

In  accordance  with  the  Company’s  Articles  of 
Association,  a  Director  appointed  during  the  year, 
should  stand  for  election  at  the  first  annual  general 
meeting  subsequent  to  such  appoint,  and  other 
Directors  must  retire  by  rotation  and  seek  re-election 
by shareholders every three years. However, the Code 
requires  that  all  directors  of  FTSE350  companies 
should  stand  for  re-election  annually.  Accordingly,  
Jurgens  Myburgh,  who  was  appointed  as  a  Director 
from  1  August  2016,  will  stand  for  election  at  the 
Company’s  annual  general  meeting  to  be  held  on  
25 July 2017; and all other Directors will stand for annual 
re-election  at  the  meeting.  Taking  into  account  the 
result of an internal Board evaluation which was carried 
out  during  the  year  and  following  recommendations 
from the Nomination Committee, the Board considers 
that all Directors continue to be effective, committed to 
their roles and have sufficient time available to perform 
their  duties  and  therefore  recommends  the  election 
and re-election of these Directors to the Board. 

BOARD

The  Board  self-evaluation  questionnaire  was  based 
around  the  five  main  principles  of  the  Code,  namely: 
leadership, effectiveness, accountability, remuneration 
and  relations  with  shareholders.  The  Board  identified 
no  material  areas  for  improvement,  but  confirmed 
the  need  to  address  the  composition  of  the  Board 
through the appointment of two further Non-executive 
Directors,  which  is  currently  receiving  attention  as 
indicated  in  the  Nomination  Committee  Report  on 
page 109. 

AR

BOARD COMMITTEES

The  results  of  the  self-evaluation  of  the  Board 
committees,  together  with  the  Committees’  proposed 
recommendations, were discussed by the Board. Details 
of  the  results  of  the  performance  evaluation  of  the 
Board’s  committees  and  actions  planned  for  the  next 
year are set out in the individual committee reports.

CHAIRMAN

DIRECTORS’ CONFLICTS OF 
INTEREST

In  accordance  with  the  UK  Companies  Act  and  the 
Company’s  Articles  of  Association,  the  Board  may 
authorise  any  matter  that  otherwise  may  involve  any 
of  the  Directors  breaching  his  or  her  duty  to  avoid 
conflicts  of  interest.  The  Board  adopted  a  procedure 
to  address  these  requirements,  which  includes  the 
Directors  completing  detailed  conflict  of  interest 
questionnaires on appointment. The matters disclosed 
in  the  questionnaires  are  reviewed  by  the  Board 
following  the  Directors’  appointment  and  annually 
thereafter  and,  if  considered  appropriate,  authorised 
in accordance with the Act and the Articles. Any new 
conflicts of interest are disclosed to the Board as soon 
as they arise, for consideration. 

Mr Desmond Smith, as the SID, met privately with the 
Non-executive  Directors  to  appraise  the  performance 
of  the  Chairman,  taking  account  of  the  views  of  the 
Executive  Directors  and  subsequently  discussed  the 
results with the Chairman. A high-level summary of the 
evaluation of the Chairman was presented at the Board 
meeting held in March 2017. 

INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORS

The  Chairman  met  with  each  Non-executive  Director 
to  discuss  their  contributions  and  performance, 
together  with  their  training  and  development  needs 
and  presented  his  feedback  to  the  Board.  The  Board 
concluded  that  the  individual  Directors  have  fulfilled 
their duties and provide a valuable contribution to the 
effective functioning of the Board.

EVALUATION OF THE BOARD, 
COMMITTEES, CHAIRMAN, 
INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORS AND THE 
COMPANY SECRETARY

individual  Directors 

During the year under review, the Board conducted an 
evaluation  to  review  performance  and  effectiveness 
of  the  Board,  as  a  whole,  the  Board  Committees,  
the  Chairman, 
the 
independence  of  the 
Independent  Non-executive 
Directors.  The  evaluation  process  was  conducted 
internally  by  way  of  interviews  and  self-evaluation 
questionnaires.  The  results  of  the  evaluation  of  the 
Board  committees  were  considered  by  the  relevant 
committee prior to their presentation, together with all 
other evaluations, for discussion at the Board meeting 
held in March 2017. 

and 

An externally facilitated performance evaluation will be 
conducted next year and every three years thereafter.

INDEPENDENCE OF DIRECTORS

Directors, 

Non-executive 

The  Board  considered  the  independence  of  the 
Independent 
upon 
recommendation of the SID, taking into consideration 
all  relevant  relationships  and  circumstances.  As 
disclosed  earlier  in  this  report,  Dr  Edwin  Hertzog 
and Jannie Durand are not regarded as independent, 
owing,  respectively,  to  their  previous  relationship 
with  the  Company  and  its  principal  shareholder.  The 
Board considers all the other Non-executive Directors 
to  be  independent  in  character  and  judgement 
and  free  from  any  business  or  other  relationship 
or  circumstances  that  could  potentially  materially 
interfere  with  the  exercise  of  their  respective  and 
collective independent judgement. 

COMPANY SECRETARY

As  part  of  the  annual  evaluation  of  the  Board,  the 
Company Secretary was also evaluated. The Board is of 
the opinion that the Company Secretary is competent 
and has the requisite qualifications and experience to 
effectively execute its duties.

82

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

ACCOUNTABILITY

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE

INTERNAL CONTROLS AND RISK 
MANAGEMENT

The  Group  has  a  comprehensive  system  of  internal 
controls  in  place,  designed  to  ensure  that  risks  are 
mitigated and that the Group’s objectives are attained. 
The  Board  recognises  its  responsibilities  to  present 
a  fair,  balanced  and  understandable  assessment  of 
the  Group’s  position  and  prospects.  It  is  accountable 
for  reviewing  and  approving  the  effectiveness  of 
internal  controls  operated  by  the  Group,  including 
financial, operational and compliance controls, and risk 
management. The Board recognises its responsibility in 
respect  of  the  Group’s  risk  management  process  and 
system of internal control, and, oversees the activities 
of  the  Group’s  external  auditors  and  the  Group’s  risk 
management  function  which  have  been  delegated  to 
the Audit and Risk Committee. A review of the Group’s 
risk management approach is further discussed in the 
Strategic  Report  on  pages  2  to  68.  For  detail  on  the 
management  and  mitigation  of  each  principal  risk 
see pages 31 to 33. The Group’s viability statement is 
detailed on pages 35 to 36. Please refer to pages 114 to 
122  for  further  detail  in  relation  to  the  Audit  and  Risk 
Committee’s role.

The Group’s governance structure of risk management 
is illustrated in Figure 7.

AR

FIGURE 7: GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF RISK

g
n
i
r
o
t
i
n
o
m

r
o
f

y
t
i
l
i

b
a
t
n
u
o
c
c
A

g
n
i
t
n
e
m
e
p
m

l

i

r
o
f

y
t
i
l
i

b
i
s
n
o
p
s
e
R

Board of 
Directors

Responsible for the  
Group’s system of  
corporate governance, 
strategy, risk management 
and financial performance

Audit 
and Risk 
Committee

Responsible for reviewing 
and approving the adequacy 
and effectiveness of the 
Group’s risk management 
and internal controls

Corporate 
executive 
team

Supports the CEO in 
managing the Group’s 
business and activities

Operating 
platforms

Responsible for identifying, 
assessing, implementing and 
managing risks within their 
businesses

Conducting business in an honest, fair and legal manner 
is a fundamental guiding principle in Mediclinic, which 
is  actively  endorsed  by  the  Board  and  management, 
ensuring  that  the  highest  ethical  standards  are 
maintained  in  all  our  dealings  with  stakeholders. 
The  Group’s  commitment  to  ethical  standards  is  set 
out  in  the  Group’s  values,  and  is  supported  by  the 
Company’s  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics  
(the “Ethics Code”) which is available on the website at  
www.mediclinic.com.  The  Ethics  Code  provides  a 
framework  of  the  standards  of  business  conduct 
and  ethics  that  are  required  of  all  business  divisions, 
directors and employees within the Group in order to 
promote  and  enforce  ethical  business  practices  and 
standards  throughout  the  Group.  The  Ethics  Code 
is  available  to  all  staff  and  communicated  to  new 
employees as part of the on-boarding process.

Compliance  with  relevant  laws,  regulations,  accepted 
integral  to  the  Group’s  
standards  or  codes 
risk  management  process  and 
in 
accordance with the terms of the Group’s Regulatory 
Compliance Policy.

is  monitored 

is 

SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Board has considered the Company’s slavery and 
human trafficking statement for the year under review, 
as  required  in  terms  of  the  Modern  Slavery  Act  2015, 
reporting on the steps the Group has taken to ensure 
that slavery and human trafficking does not take place. 
A link to the Company’s slavery and human trafficking 
statement  can  be  found  on  the  home  page  of  the 
Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com. 

FRAUD AND CORRUPTION

The Group adopts a zero-tolerance policy to unethical 
business  conduct,  in  particular  fraud  and  corruption, 
which  is  addressed  in  the  Group’s  Ethics  Code  and 
the  Anti-bribery  Policy.  Refer  to  the  Audit  and  Risk 
Committee Report on page 122 for an overview of the 
Group’s approach to fraud and corruption. 

AR

COMPETITION LAWS

The  Group  supports  and  adheres  to  the  relevant 
competition  and  anti-trust  laws  applicable  in  the 
various  countries  in  which  the  Group  operates.  These 
laws are complex and the Group has issued guidelines 
to its employees on competition law compliance within 
their  relevant  jurisdiction,  which  are  reviewed  and 
updated at least annually.

The  South  African  Competition  Commission 
is 
undertaking a market inquiry into the private healthcare 
sector  in  South  Africa.  Mediclinic  is  participating  in 
the inquiry, with the assistance of expert competition 
attorneys and advocates who guide Mediclinic through 
the process, as referred to in the Divisional Review of 
Mediclinic Southern Africa on page 49.

AR

No legal action for anti-competitive, anti-trust or similar 
conduct  was  instituted  against  the  Group  during  the 
year under review.

 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

83

INFORMATION AND 
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY 
GOVERNANCE 

technology 

information  and 
Mediclinic  has  an  extensive 
communications 
(“ICT”)  environment 
that  acts  as  an  enabler  of  its  business  strategies  and 
operations.  The  core  business  information  systems 
cover  clinical  processes,  revenue  cycle  management 
and  patient  administration.  The  SAP  ERP  back-office 
systems  support,  inter  alia,  the  finance,  accounting, 
human  resources  management  and  procurement 
functions.  An  enterprise  data  warehouse  enables 
advanced  analytics  activities  as  well  as  providing 
data  for  decision  support.  Lastly  an  extensive  office 
automation  environment  exists  which  enables  both  
on-premise and mobile working, as well as collaboration 
and  communication  within  and  across  the  Mediclinic 
business  platforms.  A  global  network  enables  data 
flows  and  communication  between  the  Group’s 
operating  platforms.  Major  ICT-related  projects  in 
the  pipeline,  which  include  various  SAP  projects,  an 
electronic  health  record  system  and  the  introduction 
of a global HR system. 

ICT governance is done in context of the Group’s overall 
corporate governance and specifically the Group’s risk 
management structures and processes. Central to ICT 
governance  is  the  Group’s  ICT  Steering  Committee, 
various  ICT  architecture  management  committees  at 
the operating platforms. The ICT Steering Committee is 
a  sub-committee  of  Company’s  Executive  Committee 
and membership consists of the Group’s CIOs, various 
Group  ICT  architects  and  key  functions  such  as  Risk 
Management,  Finance  and  the  Enterprise  Project 
Management  Office.  This  committee  focuses  on 
collaboration, standardisation and synergies across the 
various ICT entities in the Group by way of:
•  setting information security related policies and 

standards; 

•  developing and reviewing ICT risk profiles; and 
•  providing assurance regarding information and 
cybersecurity, data protection and privacy, as 
well as access control, change management and 
disaster recovery. 

The  ICT  Steering  Committee  is  supported  by  the 
Group’s Information Security Architecture Committee, 
consisting  of  the  Information  Security  Officers  of  the 
Group  and  the  operating  platforms.  The  proceedings 
of this committee are informed by information security 
best practices sourced from Gartner, ISACA, CoBIT 5, 
ITIL, ISO27001 and the South African King IV™ Report 
on Corporate Governance.

The  Group’s  risk  management  system  is  used  to 
capture  and  track  all  ICT  risks,  audit  findings,  actions 
and responsibilities.

Mediclinic  employs  a  wide  range  of  technology 
capabilities  to  safeguard  its  ICT  installation,  its  ICT 
users and connections to other external ICT systems to 
ensure business continuity. 

Information  security  policies  and  controls  are  in 
place  throughout  the  Group  regulating,  inter  alia, 
the  processing,  use  and  protection  of  own  and  
third-party  information.  This  is  further  entrenched 
through  ongoing  user  training,  security  awareness 
programmes  and  certification  courses  in  information 
security. Flows of personal data across country borders 
are  dealt  through  formal  arrangements  in  line  with  
country-specific  legislation.  There  were  no  material 
information  security  or  data  privacy  incidents  during 
the year under review. 

REMUNERATION

The Board has established a Remuneration Committee 
to  assist  with  discharging  its  responsibility  in  relation 
to Board and executive remuneration. A report on the 
activities of the Committee, including its composition 
and key responsibilities, is included from page 85. 

AR

RELATIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

to 

Effective 

recognises 

communication 

its  accountability 

its 
Mediclinic 
stakeholders. 
with 
stakeholders is fundamental in maintaining Mediclinic’s 
corporate  reputation  as  a  trusted  and  respected 
provider  of  healthcare  services  and  positioning  itself 
as a leading international private healthcare group. The 
Group’s  key  stakeholders,  methods  of  engagement, 
topics discussed or concerns raised are outlined in the 
Sustainable  Development  Report,  available  on  the 
Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com.

SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Responsibility  for  shareholder  relations  rests  with 
the  Chairman,  CEO,  CFO,  SID  and  Head  of  Investor 
Relations.  Collectively,  but  mainly  through  the  CEO, 
CFO and Head of Investor Relations, as referred to on 
page  73,  they  ensure  that  there  is  effective,  regular 
and  clear  communication  with  shareholders  on 
matters  such  as  operational  performance,  regulatory 
changes,  governance  and  strategy. 
In  addition, 
they  are  responsible  for  ensuring  that  the  Board 
understands the views of shareholders on matters such 
as  governance  and  strategy.  The  Board  is  supported 
by  the  Company’s  corporate  brokers  with  whom  it  is 
in  constant  dialogue.  The  Disclosure  Committee  also 
assists  the  Board  to  ensure  the  timely  and  accurate 
disclosure  of  all  information  that  is  required  to  be  so 
disclosed to meet the legal and regulatory obligations 
and requirements arising from its listing on the LSE.

SDR

AR

84

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

During  the  year,  following  the  appointment  of  the 
Group’s Head of Investor Relations in London, a formal 
programme  was  established  for  engaging  with  the 
capital  markets.  This  programme  included  regular 
investor meetings, attendance at investor conferences, 
roadshows,  presentations  and  ad  hoc  events  with 
investors,  sell-side  analysts  and  sales  teams.  Over 
the  year  under  review,  senior  management  and 
the  Head  of  Investor  Relations  have  met  some  200 
institutions and participated in 18 roadshows, investor 
conferences and ad hoc capital market events across 
the  UK,  South  Africa,  North  America,  UAE  and  Asia.  
A breakdown of the fund manager style and geographic 
holdings as at year end are provided in Figure 8 and  
Figure  9  respectively.  The  CEO,  CFO  and  Head 
of  Investor  Relations  provide  regular  feedback  to 
the  Board  on  investor  relations  matters,  including,  
inter alia, an overview of meetings held with investors.

Shareholders  can  access  details  of  the  Group’s 
results  and  other  news  releases  through  the  London 
Stock  Exchange’s  Regulatory  News  Service  and  the 
Johannesburg  Stock  Exchange  News  Service. 
In 
addition,  the  Group  publishes  the  announcements 
in  the  Investor  Relations  section  of  the  Group’s 
website  at  www.mediclinic.com.  Shareholders  and 
other 
interested  parties  can  subscribe  to  email 
news  updates  by  registering  online  on  the  website.  

The  Group  continually  looks  for  ways  to  improve 
its  use  of  online  channels  to  communicate  with  our 
stakeholders  through  the  corporate  website  and 
webcasting.

2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

The Company’s annual general meeting will take place 
at 15:00 (British Summer Time) on Tuesday, 25 July 2017  
at  the  Rosewood  London  Hotel,  252  High  Holborn, 
London,  WC1V  7EN,  United  Kingdom.  All  ordinary 
shareholders have the opportunity to attend and vote, 
in  person  or  by  proxy.  The  Notice  of  Annual  General 
Meeting can be found on the investor relations section 
of the Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com, and 
is being posted in a separate booklet at the same time 
as  this  Annual  Report.  The  Notice  of  Annual  General 
Meeting  sets  out  the  business  of  the  meeting  and 
provides explanatory notes on all resolutions. Separate 
resolutions are proposed in respect of each substantive 
issue.  The  annual  general  meeting  is  the  Company’s 
principal 
for  communication  with  private 
shareholders.  The  Chairman  of  the  Board  and  the 
Chairmen of the Board committees, together with senior 
management, will be available to answer shareholders’ 
questions at the meeting and the Directors encourage 
shareholders to participate at the event.

forum 

AGM

FIGURE 8: STYLE OF FUND MANAGER

FIGURE 9: GEOGRAPHIC HOLDING BREAKDOWN

4%

4%

7%

45%

Corporate

3% 1%

8%

45%

8%

9%

11%

GARP

10%

Value and growth

Hybrid

Growth

Retail

Value

33%

12%

Other (<3%)

Remgro 
(South Africa)

Rest of Africa

United Kingdom

North America

Western Europe
and Nordic

Other

 
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

85

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

LETTER FROM THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Dear Shareholder, 

Mediclinic became a FTSE-listed company as a result of the Combination with Al Noor Hospitals in February 2016. 
Leading up to the Combination, a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy was put to shareholders and approved in 
December 2015. The policy, based largely on the previous Al Noor policy, was designed to provide flexibility to 
meet the needs of the new entity. Having completed a full year working with this policy, we are now in a better 
position to draft a policy that is more specifically shaped to our needs. No substantial changes are required, since 
there is no proposed change to  either  the  structures with  which we remunerate our executives or their  levels 
of pay. However, there are a number of more detailed provisions which we wish to amend, where the existing 
drafting does not reflect how we wish to implement the policy. The revised Remuneration Policy, contained within 
this report, will be subject to a binding vote by shareholders at the Company’s AGM on 25 July 2017. Following 
approval, it would become formally effective from the date of the AGM.

I am also pleased to present the annual Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 March 2017, which 
will be subject to an advisory vote at the AGM. This sets out the remuneration decisions taken in the year and, in 
the remainder of this letter, I aim to set these decisions in the context of the Company’s performance this year. 

PERFORMANCE AND REWARD OVER THE REPORTING PERIOD 

Performance for the Executive Directors’ short-term incentive (“STI”) was calculated on a weighted average of 
the Company’s three operating platforms in Southern Africa, Switzerland and the Middle East. For each platform, 
underlying  EBITDA  is  the  primary  measure,  underpinned  by  clinical  and  patient  quality  conditions  which  can 
reduce the bonus earned. Hirslanden, our largest platform, performed strongly, exceeding the maximum target 
for  financial  performance  combined  with  strong  outcomes  on  patient  satisfaction.  Our  business  in  Southern 
Africa also performed well, delivering EBITDA in line with expectations and fair performance on other measures. 
In the Middle East, performance was impacted significantly by a major regulatory change affecting the Abu Dhabi 
business as well as operational challenges in this business. The Company has been focused on resolving these 
issues and stabilising performance in the Middle East, and our confidence in the long-term growth opportunities 
of  the  region  remains  strong.  Taking  performance  across  all  three  platforms  into  account,  the  STI  outcome  
for  the  reporting  period  for  the  Executive  Directors  was  55.93%  of  maximum,  as  described  in  more  detail  on 
pages 99 to 100.

AR

During  2016,  long-term  incentive  awards  (“LTIP”)  were  granted  to  the  Executive  Directors,  subject  to  total 
shareholder  return  and  earnings  per  share  performance  conditions  over  three  years.  No  long-term  incentive 
awards vested during the year, since outstanding awards vested at the time of the Combination.

PROPOSED REMUNERATION POLICY 2017

As  mentioned  above,  following  a  review  of  the  existing  Directors’  Remuneration  Policy,  the  Remuneration 
Committee  have  proposed  a  revised  policy  to  better  reflect  the  way  in  which  the  Company  operates  post-
Combination.

Changes have been made to the operation of the annual STI and the LTIP awards to specify how the share-based 
elements  of  these  awards  will  operate  where  we  cannot  use  shares.  In  order  to  continue  to  build  long-term 
alignment of the Directors’ interests with shareholders, when we cash settle awards, there is a requirement to 
purchase shares with the net proceeds of the award and hold those shares until the individual has reached the 
share ownership guideline. In this way, we ensure the continued alignment even where we cash settle awards for 
technical reasons. Other changes include more specifically on clawback, malus and post-vesting holding periods.

We believe that the proposed approach for 2017 underpins our strategy and values as a Company, and will enable 
us to continue to operate effectively throughout our markets.

We trust that you will support both resolutions at the AGM on 25 July 2017.

Trevor Petersen
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
23 May 2017

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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

INTRODUCTION 

This  part  of  the  Directors’  Remuneration  Report  sets  out  the  remuneration  policy  for  the  Company  and  has 
been prepared in accordance with The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008 (as amended). The policy has been developed taking into account the principles of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code and takes account of the views of our major shareholders and proxy agencies, as 
expressed during previous engagement on remuneration matters. 

The Remuneration Policy will be put to a binding shareholder vote at the AGM on 25 July 2017 and, subject 
to approval, the new policy will take formal effect from that date (replacing the previous policy approved by 
shareholders on 15 December 2015, which can be found on the Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com 
contained  in  the  2016  Annual  Report  and  Financial  Statements  on  pages  75  to  81).  It  is  intended  that  the 
policy will be in force for a period of three years from the date of approval. 

PROPOSED CHANGES TO POLICY

ELEMENT OF PAY

SUBSTANTIAL PROPOSED CHANGES

Annual short-term incentive 
(“STI”)

Long-term Incentive Plan 
(“LTIP”)

To reflect more clearly the current operation of the bonus deferral, its 
treatment has been formalised as follows:
•   Half of the bonus paid will be deferred in shares for two years, with  

vesting subject to continued employment.

•  Deferred shares may be settled in cash.
To strengthen alignment with shareholder interests where an award is settled 
in cash and a Director has not yet met the share ownership guidelines, this 
cash must be used to purchase shares in the Company.

We have also included reference to the malus condition we have in operation.

We have not made any fundamental changes to the LTIP, but we have 
updated the policy to reflect more clearly the current operation. Similar to  
the deferred portion of the annual STI, awards will be made in shares, but may 
be cash settled. Executive Directors’ awards will be subject to a post-vesting 
holding period of two years.

To strengthen alignment with shareholder interests where an award is settled 
in cash and a Director has not yet met the share ownership guidelines, this 
cash must be used to purchase shares in the Company.

Increased flexibility is included in the selection of performance measures for 
the LTIP.

We have also included reference to the malus condition we have in operation.

Share ownership guidelines We have made no changes to the practice around share ownership guidelines, 

but these were previously not included in the policy table.

The rationale for change is to align the policy more specifically to the current operation of the STI and the LTIP. 
Further, the requirement to hold shares facilitates Executive Directors building a shareholding in the business and 
therefore  aligns  management  with  shareholders’  interests  and  the  Group’s  performance,  without  encouraging 
excessive risk taking. 

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87

CONSIDERATION OF 
SHAREHOLDER VIEWS

The  Company  is  committed  to  maintaining  open 
and  transparent  dialogue  with 
its  shareholders.  
The  Committee  engages  regularly  in  a  process  of 
investor consultation. 

The  Committee  considered  shareholder  feedback  in 
relation  to  the  Directors’  Remuneration  Report  for 
the prior year at its first meeting following the annual 
general meeting. This feedback, as well as any additional 
feedback  received  during  any  other  meetings  with 
shareholders, was considered as part of the Company’s 
annual  review  of  remuneration  arrangements  for  the 
following year. Where appropriate, the Committee will 
actively  engage  with  shareholders  and  shareholder 
representative  bodies,  seeking  views  which  may  be 
considered when making any decisions about changes 
to the Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

The Committee considers the annual general meeting 
to  be  an  opportunity  to  meet  and  communicate  with 
shareholders, giving investors the opportunity to raise 
any issues or concerns they may have. In addition, the 
Committee  will  seek  to  engage  directly  with  major 
shareholders  and  their  representative  bodies  should 
any  material  changes  be  made  to  the  Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy. 

POLICY OVERVIEW

The  Committee  is  responsible,  on  behalf  of  the 
Board,  for  establishing  appropriate  remuneration 
arrangements  for  the  Executive  Directors  and  other 
senior management in the Group.

In  setting  the  Remuneration  Policy  for  the  Executive 
Directors, the Committee will ensure that the structures 
are  in  the  best  interest  of  both  the  Group  and  its 
shareholders,  by  taking  into  account  the  following 
general principles: 
•  To  lead  our  chosen  markets  in  medical  quality  by 
attracting, retaining and motivating the best person 
for  each  position,  without  paying  more  than  is 
necessary.
•  To  ensure 

remuneration  packages  are  
simple  and  fair  in  design  so  that  they  are  valued  
by participants. 

total 

•  To ensure that the fixed element of remuneration is 
determined with reference to the location in which 
the executive operates and the broader international 
market,  taking  account  of  individual  performance, 
responsibilities and experience; and that a significant 
proportion  of  the  total  remuneration  package  is 
linked to financial performance. 

delivering 

•  To  balance  performance  pay  between 

the 
achievement  of  financial  performance  objectives 
stock  market  
and 
sustainable 
out-performance;  creating  a  clear 
line  of  
sight  between  performance  and  reward  and 
providing  a  focus  on  sustained  improvements  
in profitability and returns. 

•  To provide performance-related pay linked to share 
price  and  with  a  requirement  to  hold  shares  to 
facilitate senior management to build a shareholding 
in the business and therefore, aligning management 
interests  and  the  Group’s 
with  shareholders’ 
performance,  without  encouraging  excessive  risk 
taking. 

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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

SUMMARY OF THE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

The following table sets out the key aspects of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

ELEMENT  
OF PAY

Base  
compensation

PURPOSE 
AND LINK TO 
STRATEGY
•  To attract, retain 
and motivate 
talented 
individuals who 
are critical to the 
Group’s success

Annual short-
term incentive 
(“STI”)1

•  To encourage 
and reward 
delivery of the 
Group’s annual 
financial and 
operational 
objectives
•  To align with 

shareholder risk  
and reward

OPERATION
•  Normally reviewed annually by 
the Remuneration Committee 
(the “Committee”) or in 
the event of a change in 
an individual’s position or 
responsibilities and typically 
effective from 1 April

•  Base compensation levels are 
set to reflect the experience 
and capabilities of the 
individual and the scope and 
scale of the role 
•  Increases to base 

compensation reflect individual 
performance and the pay and 
conditions in the workforce

PERFORMANCE  
CRITERIA
•  Not applicable

MAXIMUM  
OPPORTUNITY
•  There is no 

prescribed maximum 
annual increase
•  The Committee 

takes into account 
remuneration levels 
in comparable 
organisations in 
geographies in 
which the Company 
operates and in 
which it competes 
for talent

•  Ordinarily, annual 
salary increases 
would be no more 
than the average 
annual increase of 
the Company in the 
same geographical 
location in which 
the Director is 
domiciled. However, 
in exceptional 
circumstances 
a higher level 
of increase may 
be awarded 
for example: 
assumed additional 
responsibility, an 
increase in the scale 
or scope of the role 
or in the case of a 
new executive, a 
move towards the 
desired rate over a 
period of time where 
salary was initially  
set below the 
intended positioning 

•  Performance targets are 
reviewed annually by the 
Committee, are linked to 
strategic objectives, and are 
appropriately demanding, 
taking into account economic 
conditions and risk factors 
•  Half of the bonus paid will 

be deferred in shares for two 
years, subject to continued 
employment

•  Deferred shares may be settled 
in cash. Where awards are cash-
settled and a Director has  
not yet met the share 
ownership guidelines, this  
cash must be used to purchase 
shares in the Company
•  Dividends that accrue on the 
shares under the deferred 
bonus will be paid in cash at  
the time of vesting

•  Clawback and malus3 provisions 
will apply for overpayments due 
to misstatement, misconduct 
or error

•  Maximum 

opportunity of 
150% of base 
compensation

•  At least 75% of the 
STI will be based 
on Group financial 
performance and/
or the financial 
performance of 
the component 
platforms of the 
Group. May also 
include non-financial 
measures (e.g. 
clinical excellence)
•  Performance below 
threshold results 
in zero payment. 
Payments increase 
from 0% to 100% 
of the maximum 
opportunity for levels 
of performance 
between threshold 
and maximum 
performance targets

 
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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

89

ELEMENT  
OF PAY

Long-term 
Incentive Plan 
(“LTIP”)2

PURPOSE 
AND LINK TO 
STRATEGY
•  To balance 

performance 
pay between 
achieving 
financial 
performance 
objectives 
and delivering 
sustainable stock 
market out-
performance
•  To encourage 

share ownership 
and align with 
shareholders

Pension / 
retirement 
benefits

Benefits

•  To help recruit 
and retain 
high-performing 
Executive 
Directors
•  To provide 
employees 
with long-
term savings 
via pension 
provisions
•  To provide 
a market-
competitive level 
of benefits to 
ensure Executive 
Directors’ well-
being

PERFORMANCE  
CRITERIA
•  Performance 

measures will include 
earnings per share 
(“EPS”) and relative 
total shareholder 
return (“TSR”) which, 
in combination, will 
account for no less 
than 75% of the  
total award

•  The Committee may 
introduce a new 
measure or measures 
which is aligned 
with the Company’s 
strategic objectives; 
any such measures 
will account for no 
more than 25% of 
the total award
•  No more than 25% of 
an award will vest for 
achieving threshold 
performance, 
increasing pro rata 
to full vesting for 
achieving maximum 
performance targets

MAXIMUM  
OPPORTUNITY
•  Maximum 

opportunity of 
200% of base 
compensation

OPERATION
•  Annual awards denominated in 
shares with vesting dependent 
on the achievement of 
performance conditions over  
a three-year period

•  Executive Directors will be 

required to hold vested awards 
for two years

•  Awards may be settled in cash, 
with the cash payment taking 
account of the share price 
movement during both the 
vesting and holding periods 
•  Where awards are cash settled 
and a Director has not yet met 
the share ownership guidelines, 
this cash must be used to 
purchase shares in the Company

•  Performance targets are 
reviewed annually by the 
Committee and are set 
according to economic outlook 
and risk factors prevailing at 
the time, ensuring that such 
targets remain challenging in 
the circumstances, and realistic 
enough to motivate and 
incentivise management
•  Dividends that accrue during 

the vesting and holding periods 
will be paid in cash, to the extent 
that awards have vested

•  Clawback and malus3 provisions 
apply for overpayments due to 
misstatement, misconduct  
or error

•  Participation in a defined 

contribution pension scheme

•  Not applicable

•  Directors can 

receive a Company 
contribution of  
up to 10% of  
base salary

•  Actual value of 

benefits provided

•  Not applicable

•  Benefits may include but are 

not limited to:
– 
– 

 private medical insurance
 death and disability 
insurance
 leave and long-service 
awards

– 

•  Other ancillary benefits, 
including relocation and  
an allowance towards 
reasonable fees for professional 
services such as legal, tax and 
financial advice

•  Reasonable business expenses 
(e.g. travel, accommodation 
and subsistence) will be 
reimbursed and in some 
instances the associated tax 
will be borne by the Company

 
 
 
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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

ELEMENT  
OF PAY

Non-executive 
Directors’ fee

PURPOSE 
AND LINK TO 
STRATEGY
•  Set to attract, 
retain and 
motivate 
talented 
individuals 
through the 
provision 
of market 
competitive fees

Share 
ownership 
guidelines

•  Alignment 

of Executive 
Directors’ 
interests 
with those of 
shareholders

PERFORMANCE  
CRITERIA
•  Not applicable

OPERATION
•  In consultation with Executive 
Directors, the Chairman of the 
Board will review periodically, 
or, in the event of a change 
in an individual’s position or 
responsibilities (if appropriate)

•  Fee levels are set at market 
rates, responsibility and time 
commitments, and the pay and 
conditions in the workplace
•  Reasonable business expenses 
(e.g. travel, accommodation 
and subsistence) will be 
reimbursed and in some 
instances the associated tax 
will be borne by the Company

MAXIMUM  
OPPORTUNITY
•  As for the Executive 
Directors, there 
is no prescribed 
maximum annual 
increase. The 
Chairman of the 
Board and the 
Executive Directors 
are guided by the 
general increase 
for the broader 
workforce. In certain 
circumstances 
the Chairman of 
the Board may 
recognise an 
increase, such 
as additional 
responsibility, or an 
increase in the scale 
or scope of the role

•  Not applicable

•  Not applicable

•  Executive Directors are 

expected to build and maintain 
a shareholding in the Company
•  Where awards are cash settled 
and a Director has not yet  
met the share ownership 
guidelines, this cash must be 
used to purchase shares in  
the Company

•  Until this threshold is achieved 

Executive Directors are 
normally required to retain 
no less than 50% of the net 
of tax value from vested LTIP, 
Deferred Bonus (“DB”) or  
other awards

•  The level of shareholding 

guidelines will be detailed in 
the annual report each year 
•  The Committee will review 
Executive Directors’ 
shareholding annually in the 
context of this policy.

Notes
1 

 The annual STI is focused predominantly on key financial performance indicators, to reflect how successful the Group is in managing 
its operations. The balance is determined based on Executive Directors’ performance against annual Group operational targets, 
including measures of clinical excellence.

 The Executive Directors’ STI is calculated on Group EBITDA performance and/or the combined financial EBITDA performance and 
other financial and strategic business targets of the three platforms, weighted relative to their respective EBITDA contribution. 

 The structure of the Executive Directors’ Pay Policy on annual STIs is generally in line with the policy for remuneration of management 
within the Group, although the levels of award will be different. The performance measures that apply to management are based on 
the respective platform EBITDA performance and platform-specific operational targets, including measures of clinical excellence. 
The annual STI awards for management are paid in cash with no deferral. 

2  The LTIP rewards significant long-term returns to shareholders and long-term financial growth. 

 Targets are set on sliding scales that take account of internal strategic planning and external market expectations for the Company. 
Modest rewards are available for achieving threshold performance with maximum rewards requiring substantial out-performance 
of challenging strategic plans approved at the start of each year or on the date of award, as the case may be. 

 The  Committee  operates  long-term  incentive  (“LTI”)  arrangements  for  the  Executive  Directors  and  key  senior  management  in 
accordance with their respective rules, the Listing Rules and the rules of relevant tax authorities where relevant. The Committee, 
consistent with market practice, retains discretion over a number of areas relating to the operation and administration of the plans. 
These include (but are not limited to) the following: 
•  number of participants;
•  timing of the grant and/or payment of award; 
•  the size of an award (up to plan limits) and/or payment;

 
 
 
 
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91

•  discretion to reduce the number of awards vesting if certain performance underpins are not met;
•  discretion relating to the measurement of performance in the event of a change of control or reconstruction;
•  determination of a good leaver (in addition to any specified categories) for incentive plan purposes;
•  adjustments required in certain circumstances (e.g. rights issues, corporate restructuring and special dividends);
•  the ability to adjust existing performance conditions for exceptional events to fulfil their original purpose; and
•   the  relative  weighting  between  TSR  and  EPS  are  determined  annually  by  the  Remuneration  Committee  –  for  the  current 

reporting period EPS weight is 60% and TSR is 40%. This will remain the weighting for 2017/18.

 The  structure  of  the  Executive  Directors  Pay  Policy  on  LTIPs  is  generally  in  line  with  the  policy  for  remuneration  of  key  senior 
management  within  the  Group,  although  the  levels  of  award  will  be  different.  The  LTIP  awards  for  key  senior  management  are 
denominated in shares with vesting dependent on the achievement of performance conditions over a three-year period. Awards 
may be settled in cash, with the cash payment taking account of the share price movement during the vesting period. There is no 
award deferral for key senior management. 

3 

 At  the  discretion  of  the  Committee,  awards  may  be  adjusted  before  delivery  (malus)  or  reclaimed  after  delivery  (clawback)  if 
an adjustment event occurs. Such circumstances may include: a serious misstatement of the Group’s audited financial results, a 
serious  miscalculation  of  any  relevant  performance  measure,  a  serious  failure  of  risk  management  or  regulatory  compliance  by  
a relevant entity, serious reputational damage to the Group, or the participant’s material misconduct.

 Management within the Group are also subject to malus and clawback provisions based on the adjustment events defined above. 

PREVIOUS AWARDS

The Company has authority to honour any commitments entered into with current or former Directors before 
they became a Director (such as the vesting or exercise of past share awards) or before this policy came into 
effect, including those granted by companies in the Group prior to that company becoming part of the Group.

 
 
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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS PAY 
AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS 
OF EMPLOYEES IN THE GROUP 
WHEN DETERMINING EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 
POLICY

When 
considering  Executive  Directors’  base 
compensation,  the  Committee  considers  market 
related  salary  levels  including  bonuses  of  appropriate 
the  Committee 
comparable  companies.  Further, 
reviews  base  compensation  and  STI  arrangements 
for  the  management  team,  to  ensure  that  there 
is  a  coherent  approach  across  the  Group.  The  STI 
arrangements  operate  on  a  similar  basis  across  the 
management  team.  The  key  difference  in  the  policy 
for  Executive  Directors  is  that  remuneration  is  more 
heavily weighted towards long-term variable pay than 
other employees. This ensures that there is a clear link 
between  the  value  created  for  shareholders  and  the 
remuneration received by the Executive Directors. 

The  Committee  does  not  formally  consult  with 
employees  in  respect  of  the  design  of  the  Executive 
Director Remuneration Policy, although the Committee 
will keep this under review. 

REMUNERATION SCENARIOS FOR 
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The  total  remuneration  for  each  of  the  Executive 
Directors  that  could  result  from  the  Remuneration 
Policy in 2017/18 is shown below under three different 
performance levels – below threshold (when only fixed 
pay is receivable), on target and maximum. The chart 
highlights  that  the  performance-related  elements  of 
the  package  comprise  a  significant  portion  of  total 
remuneration at on-target and maximum performance. 

Remuneration  is  earned  in  pound  sterling  (GBP)  and 
South  African  rand  (ZAR).  The  ZAR  portion  of  the 
remuneration package is translated into GBP at a rate 
of £1:ZAR18.41.

DIRECTORS’ RECRUITMENT AND 
PROMOTIONS

The  policy  on  the  recruitment  or  promotion  of  an 
Executive  Director  takes  into  account  the  need  to 
attract,  retain  and  motivate  the  best  person  for  each 
position,  while  ensuring  close  alignment  between  the 
interests of shareholders and management:
•  If a new Executive Director is appointed, the 

Committee would seek to align the remuneration 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION (£‘000)

44%

Fixed Pay

STI

LTIP

£2 409

43%

33%

40%

£1 708

39%

27%

27%

£578

100%

34%

24%

£998

34%

28%

38%

34%

£387

100%

£1 380

38%

34%

28%

050010001500200025003000

Minimum

Target

Maximum

28%

Minimum

100%

Target

38%

28%

Maximum

 Danie Meintjes, Chief Executive Officer

 Jurgens Myburgh, Chief Financial Officer

Assumptions
1.  Salary levels applying as at 1 April 2017.
2.   The value of taxable benefits is based on actual amounts as at 31 March 2017 of benefits and cash allowances. The figure is an 

annualised estimate for the CFO. 

3.  The value of pension contribution is based on a company contribution of 9% of base salary.
4.   Minimum performance assumes no award is earned under the STI plan and no vesting is achieved under the LTIP; at on-target, 
60% of a maximum bonus is earned under the STI plan and 63% of the maximum award opportunity is achieved under the LTIP; 
and at maximum, full vesting under both plans.

5.  Share price movement and dividend accrual have been excluded from the above analysis.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

93

package with the Remuneration Policy approved 
by shareholders.

•  New Executive Directors will participate in the STI 
and LTIP subject to the same limits as set out in  
the policy.

•  Depending on the timing of the appointment, 
the Committee may deem it appropriate to set 
different annual bonus performance conditions to 
that of the current Executive Directors for the first 
performance year of appointment.

•  An LTIP award can be made following an 

appointment (assuming the Company is not in  
a closed period).

•  Flexibility will be retained to set base 

compensation at the level necessary to facilitate 
the hiring of candidates of appropriate calibre in 
external markets and make awards or payments 
in respect of deferred remuneration arrangements 
forfeited on leaving a previous employer. In terms 
of remuneration to compensate for forfeited 
awards, the Committee would look to replicate 
the arrangements being forfeited as closely as 
possible and in doing so, would take account 
of relevant factors including the nature of the 
deferred remuneration, performance conditions 
and the time over which they would have vested 
or been paid. The face and / or expected values of 
the award(s) offered will not materially exceed the 
value ascribed to the award(s) foregone.

•  For an internal appointment, any incentive amount 
awarded in respect of a prior role may be allowed 
to vest on its original terms, or be adjusted as 
relevant to take into account the appointment.  
Any other ongoing remuneration obligations 
existing prior to appointment may continue.
•  The Committee may agree that the Company will 
meet certain relocation and incidental expenses  
as appropriate. 

•  For an overseas appointment, the Committee will 
have discretion to offer cost-effective benefits 
and pension provisions which reflect local market 
practice and relevant legislation.

For 
the  appointment  of  a  new  Chairman  or  
Non-executive Director, the fee arrangement will be set 
in accordance with the approved Remuneration Policy 
at that time.

DIRECTORS’ SERVICE 
AGREEMENTS AND PAYMENTS 
FOR LOSS OF OFFICE 

The  Committee  seeks  to  ensure  that  contractual 
terms  of  the  Executive  Directors’  service  agreements 
reflect  best  practice.  It  is  the  Company’s  policy  that 
all Executive Directors have rolling contracts that can 
be terminated by the employee in line with his service 
agreement. Executive Directors service agreements are 
terminable  on  six  months’  notice.  Consistent  with  UK 
Corporate  Governance  Code  all  Directors  are  subject 
to re-election by shareholders at each AGM. 

In  circumstances  of  termination  on  notice,  the 
Committee will determine an equitable compensation 
package, having regard to the particular circumstances 
of the case. The Committee may require notice to be 
worked or to make payment in lieu of notice or to place 
the  Director  on  garden  leave  for  the  notice  period. 
Such a decision is made to protect the Company’s and 
shareholders’ interests.

In  case  of  payment  in  lieu  of  notice  or  garden  leave, 
the  salary,  benefits  and  pension  will  be  paid  for  the 
period  of  notice  served  on  garden  leave  or  paid  in 
lieu  of  notice.  If  the  Committee  believes  it  would  be 
in  shareholders’  interests,  payments  will  be  made  in 
phased  instalments.  In  the  case  of  payment  in  lieu  of 
notice,  payments  will  be  subject  to  be  offset  against 
earnings elsewhere.

An STI payment may be made in respect of the period 
of  the  incentive  year  worked  by  the  Director.  There 
is  no  provision  for  an  amount  in  lieu  of  bonus  to  be 
payable for any part of the notice period not worked. 
The  bonus  payment  will  be  scaled  back  pro  rata  for 
the period of the incentive year worked by the Director 
and would remain payable at the normal payment date. 

Awards  held  under  the  deferred  STI  and  LTI 
arrangements  are  subject  to  the  rules  containing 
discretionary  provisions  setting  out  the  treatment  of 
awards  where  a  participant  leaves  and  is  designated 
a “good leaver”. In these circumstances a participant’s 
awards will not be forfeited on cessation of employment 
and instead will continue to vest on the normal vesting 
date  or  earlier  at  the  discretion  of  the  Committee, 
subject  to  the  performance  conditions  attached  to 
the  relevant  awards.  The  awards  may  be  scaled  back  
pro rata for the period of the vesting period worked by 
the Director. 

94

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

In  addition  to  the  above  payments,  the  Committee  may  make  any  other  payments  determined  by  a  court  of 
law  in  respect  of  the  termination  of  a  Director’s  contract  or  may  pay  any  statutory  entitlements  or  any  sums 
to settle or compromise claims in connection with a termination (including, at the discretion of the Committee, 
reimbursement for legal advice and provision of outplacement services) as necessary.

In the event of a change of control, all unvested awards under the deferred STI and LTI arrangements would vest, 
to the extent that any performance conditions attached to the relevant awards have been achieved. The awards 
will, where the Committee dictates, be scaled back pro rata for the period of the performance period worked by 
the Director. 

Executive Directors may, on nomination from Mediclinic International plc, take on outside appointments, however, 
all fees will be retained by the Company.

The dates of the Executive Directors’ service contracts are:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DATE OF SERVICE CONTRACT

Danie Meintjes

Craig Tingle

1 April 2016 – joined Group 1 August 1981

1 April 2016 – joined Group 1 February 2006 and retired 15 June 2016

Jurgens Myburgh

1 August 2016

The  service  contracts  are  available  for  inspection  during  normal  business  hours  at  the  Company’s  registered 
office, and at the annual general meeting. 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT

Non-executive  Directors  are  appointed  by  letter  of  appointment  for  an  initial  period  of  three  years,  which  are 
terminable  by  three  months’  notice  on  either  side.  However,  the  Company  complies  with  and  will  continue  to 
comply with provision B.7.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code and accordingly all Directors will stand for 
annual re-election by shareholders at future annual general meetings until the Board determines otherwise. 

In  2017  all  Non-executive  Directors,  except  for  Dr  Edwin  Hertzog  and  Jannie  Durand  were  considered  to  be 
independent of the Company. 

The terms of engagement are available for inspection during normal business hours at the Company’s registered 
office, and at the annual general meeting.

The dates of the terms of engagement of the Non-executive Directors are:

Dr Edwin Hertzog 

Desmond Smith 

Seamus Keating 

Trevor Petersen 

Nandi Mandela 

Prof Dr Robert Leu 

Alan Grieve 

Jannie Durand 

15 February 2016

15 February 2016

15 February 2016

15 February 2016

15 February 2016

15 February 2016

15 February 2016

15 February 2016

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

95

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

REMUNERATION FOR THE 
REPORTING PERIOD 

This  part  of  the  report  was  prepared  in  accordance 
with Part 4 of The Large and Medium-sized Companies 
and  Groups  (Accounts  and  Reports)  (Amendment) 
Regulations  2013  and  9.8.6R  of  the  Listing  Rules.  The 
report  will  be  put  to  an  advisory  shareholders’  vote 
at  the  2017  annual  general  meeting.  Certain  specified 
information on pages 98 to 103 was audited.

AR

CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTORS 
REMUNERATION 

setting 

including 

remuneration, 

The  Committee  is  responsible  for  determining  and 
agreeing  with  the  Board  the  policy  on  Executive 
Directors’ 
the  
over-arching  principles,  parameters  and  governance 
framework  and  determining  the  initial  remuneration 
package  of  each  Executive  Director.  In  addition, 
the  Committee  monitors  the  structure  and  level 
of  remuneration  for  the  senior  management  team 
and  is  aware  of  pay  and  conditions  in  the  workforce 
generally. The Committee also ensures full compliance 
with  the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code  in  relation  
to remuneration.

The Committee’s main responsibilities are to: 
•  determine and agree with the Board the 

Company’s Executive remuneration strategy  
and policy; 

•  determine individual remuneration packages and 
terms of employment within that policy for the 
Executive Directors, members of the Executive 
Committee and others platform executives; 

•  oversee the operation of the Company’s incentive 

schemes, including designing and setting 
performance measures and targets for annual 
bonus and long-term incentive schemes;

•  consider major changes in employee remuneration 

in the Group; 

•  select and appoint consultants to advise the 

Committee; 

•  report to shareholders through annual reports; 
•  make recommendations to the Board on the fees 
offered to the Chairman, after taking independent 
professional advice,

all of which it carries out on behalf of the Board.

96

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEMBERS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Only  Independent  Non-executive  Directors  are  eligible  to  be  members  of  the  Committee.  Trevor  Petersen 
(Committee  Chairman)  and  Robert  Leu  held  office  during  the  year.  Ian  Tyler  resigned  from  the  Board  and  as 
a member of the Committee on 21 February 2017. Seamus Keating was subsequently appointed as a member 
of the Committee on 17 March 2017. Jannie Durand and/or his alternate Pieter Uys attend Committee meetings  
by invitation, but are not voting members.

None of the Committee members have day-to-day involvement with the business, nor do they have any personal 
financial interest in the matters to be recommended. The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the Committee. 

The Committee met four times during the year. Including routine monitoring and approval activities, the material 
issues discussed are summarised below: 

AREA

Awards

DISCUSSIONS

The Committee reviewed and approved the annual bonus targets and subset 
performance indicators for the new financial year.

The Committee approved the final annual bonus payment in terms of the STI 
for the current financial year.

The Committee confirmed new allocations and performance criteria for the  
LTIP. 

Remuneration of the CFO

The Committee approved the remuneration package for the incoming CFO, 
Jurgens Myburgh. 

Remuneration levels

The Committee approved the remuneration of a UK-based senior manager. 

The Committee approved the payment for loss of office given the retirement 
of Craig Tingle, the CFO.

The Committee approved the executive individual salary increases for the 
Executive Directors and each Executive at platform level. 

The  Committee  Chairman  presents  a  summary  of  material  matters  to  the  Board  and  minutes  of  Committee 
meetings are circulated to all Directors. The Committee reports to shareholders annually in this report and the 
Committee Chairman attends the AGM to address any questions arising. 

When  considering  the  fees  for  Non-executive  Directors,  the  Chairman  of  the  Board  consults  the  Executive 
Directors. The proposed fees of the Chairman of the Board were considered by the Committee. 

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE MEETING ATTENDANCE 

The number of formal Committee meetings held during the reporting period and the attendance by each member 
is shown in the table below. The Committee also held informal discussions as required.

NAME

Trevor Petersen  
(Committee Chairman) 

Prof Dr Robert Leu

Seamus Keating1

Ian Tyler2 

DESIGNATION

Independent Non-
executive Director

Independent Non-
executive Director

Independent Non-
executive Director

Senior Independent 
Director

DATE OF 
APPOINTMENT 
(AS COMMITTEE 
MEMBER)

15/02/2016

15/02/2016

17/03/2017

15/02/2016

NUMBER OF COMMITTEE  
MEETINGS ATTENDED3

4 of 4

4 of 4

0 of 1

3 of 3

Notes
1  

 Seamus Keating was appointed as a member of the Committee on 17 March 2017 and was unable to attend the one Committee 
meeting held shortly after his appointment due to prior commitments.
Ian Tyler resigned as a Director of the Company on 21 February 2017.
 Two Committee meetings were held since the Company’s financial year end. One of these meetings was an ad hoc meeting 
which Prof Dr Robert Leu was unable to attend due to prior commitments. 

2 

3  

The Committee meetings were also attended by the CEO, Group Executive: Reward, the Company Secretary and 
representatives from New Bridge Street, all of whom provide material assistance to the Committee. None of the 
aforementioned attend as a right, nor do they attend when their own remuneration is being discussed. 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

97

PERFORMANCE AND PAY 

PERFORMANCE GRAPH AND CEO PAY

The graph below shows the value at 31 March 2017 of £100 invested in the Company on inception on 21 June 2013, 
compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE 100 Index on the same date. The intervening points are the 
financial year ends prior to the date of the Combination on 15 February 2016, and the financial year ends since.

The FTSE 100 was used as a comparator as this is the Company’s primary comparator group. 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN 
SOURCE: DATASTREAM (THOMSON REUTERS)

)
d
e
s
a
b
e
r
(

)
£
(

l

e
u
a
V

£250

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0

21
June
2013

31
Dec
2013

31
Dec
2014

31
Dec
2015

15
Feb
2016

31
Mar
2016

31
Mar
2017

Mediclinic International plc

FTSE 100 Index

The table below shows the total remuneration for the CEO over the period since incorporation. Consistent with 
the calculation methodology for the single figure for total remuneration, the total remuneration figure includes 
the  total  annual  bonus  award  based  on  that  year’s  performance  and  the  LTIP  award  based  on  the  three-year 
performance period ending in the relevant year. 

TOTAL CEO REMUNERATION

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER

2012

2013

2014

2014

2015

YEAR ENDED 
31 MARCH

1 Jan 
2016 – 
15 Feb
 2016

15 Feb 
2016 – 
31 March
2016

2017

Kassem
Alom

Kassem
Alom

Kassem
Alom

Ronald 
Lavater

Ronald 
Lavater

Ronald 
Lavater

Danie 
Meintjes

Danie 
Meintjes

326

361

290

170

702

2 165

79

1 029

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

11.8%

20.0%

n/a

100%

n/a

n/a

n/a

78%

56%

n/a

50%1

Chief 
Executive 
Officer

Total 
remuneration 
£’000

Total annual 
bonus %

Deferred 
annual bonus 
(“DAB”) 
portion

LTIP vesting %

n/a

n/a

n/a

65.4%

69.9%

n/a

0%

0%

Note
1   Represents the STI deferral.

 
 
98

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

SINGLE TOTAL FIGURES FOR DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (AUDITED)

SALARY
AND
FEES
£’000 

ANNUAL
BONUS/
STI
£’000

BENEFITS
£’000

LTIP 
£’000

PENSION
£’000

TOTAL
REMUNER-
ATION
£’000

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Danie Meintjes

2016/17

541

Craig Tingle2

2015/161

2016/17

2015/161

Jurgens Myburgh3

2016/17

2015/16

37

79

28 

234

n/a

FEES
£’000 

NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Dr Edwin Hertzog4

2016/17

250

2015/16

31

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Ian Tyler4

Seamus Keating4

Desmond Smith4

Trevor Petersen4

Nandi Mandela4

2016/17

2015/16

2016/17

2015/16

2016/17

2015/16

2016/17

2015/16

2016/17

2015/16

Prof Dr Robert Leu4

2016/17

Alan Grieve4

Jannie Durand4

Total

2015/16

2016/17

2015/16

2016/17

2015/16

2016/17

2015/16

869

425

102

239 

77

100

76

9

85

11

66

8

70

9

77

10

66

8

8

0

0

0

4

n/a

439

38

54

22

175

n/a

0

0

0

0 

0

n/a

41

3

5

3

17

n/a

1 029

79

138

53

430

n/a

BENEFITS
£’000

TOTAL
REMUNERATION
£’000

3

0

945

0

0

0

3

0

4

0

4

0

2

0

0

0

2

0

112

0

253

31

196

239

77

100

79

9

89

11

70

8

72

9

77

10

68

8

981

425

Notes 
1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

 The 2015/16 remuneration is for the period from the Combination on 15 February 2016 to 31 March 2016, as disclosed in the 
2016 Directors’ Remuneration Report (page 84).
 Craig Tingle retired as a Director of the Company on 15 June 2016 and his remuneration for 2016/2017 covers the period from 
the start of the reporting period to his date of retirement.
 Jurgens Myburgh was appointed as a Director on 1 August 2016 and his remuneration covers the period from employment 
date to the end of the reporting period.
 Ian  Tyler’s  and  Seamus  Keating’s  2015/16  remuneration  consists  of  payments  for  the  period  1  January  2015  to  
31  March  2016,  as  disclosed  in  the  2016  Directors’  Remuneration  Report  (page  84).  The  2015/16  remuneration  of  
Dr  Edwin  Hertzog,  Desmond  Smith,  Trevor  Petersen,  Nandi  Mandela,  Prof  Dr  Robert  Leu,  Alan  Grieve  and  Jannie  Durand  
is for the period from the Combination on 15 February 2016 to 31 March 2016. They are paid in GBP. Ian Tyler resigned from 
the Board on 21 February 2017. Jannie Durand’s fees are paid to Remgro and include services rendered by Jannie Durand or 
his alternate Pieter Uys.
 In  June  2013,  the  Company  (then  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc)  granted  Ian  Tyler  8  695  ordinary  shares,  which  shares 
had  an  aggregate  value  of  £50  000  calculated  at  a  share  price  of  £5.75  per  share.  To  preserve  his  position  after  the 
Combination  of  Al  Noor  and  Mediclinic,  and  the  subsequent  expected  drop  in  share  price,  the  Company  increased  the 
number  of  shares  allocated  to  12  090  in  February  2016.  On  5  June  2016,  being  the  third  anniversary  of  his  appointment,  
the  above  award  was  settled  through  a  payment  of  £106  029.30  in  cash  and  settlement  of  the  resulting  tax  liability  of  
£94 026, both calculated using a share price of £8.77 per share. As a result of this payment, his interest under the share award 
has been satisfied. As the performance achievement of the shares was tested on the grant date only the related tax liability 
settled is disclosed as a benefit in this financial year.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

99

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE SINGLE TOTAL 
FIGURE TABLE (AUDITED)

The sections below provide further detail of the remuneration shown in the table on page 98. 

AR

SALARIES FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD (AUDITED)

Base salaries are reviewed in April each year. The Committee considers the remuneration packages in the context 
of other London-listed companies of similar size and international footprint. Remuneration levels were set with 
reference to local South African pay levels and a broader international comparison, however, given the widening 
geographic footprint of the Group, the Committee placed greater weight on the international comparators. 

Danie Meintjes’ salary for the reporting period was £541 213, Craig Tingle’s salary of £78 725 covers the period 
from  the  start  of  the  reporting  period  to  his  date  of  retirement  on  15  June  2016.  Jurgens  Myburgh’s  salary  of  
£234 107 covers the period from 1 August 2016 to the end of the reporting period. All figures were converted to 
pound sterling at a rate of £1:ZAR18.41 at 31 March 2017. 

BENEFITS AND PENSION FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD (AUDITED) 

The  benefits  of  Danie  Meintjes,  Craig  Tingle  and  Jurgens  Myburgh  include  private  medical  insurance  and 
reimbursements for reasonable business related expenses (e.g. travel, accommodation and subsistence) and in 
some instances the associated tax was borne by the Company.

The Executive Directors participated in the Mediclinic Southern Africa defined contribution fund and received 
a 9% company pension contribution, in line with the Remuneration Policy. The normal retirement age is 63 and 
there are no additional benefits payable if an Executive Director retires early. 

None of the Executive Directors have prospective rights to a defined benefit pension. 

Non-executive Directors were reimbursed for reasonable business-related expenses (e.g. travel, accommodation 
and subsistence) and in some instances the associated tax was borne by the Company. They receive no other 
benefits and do not participate in short-term or long-term reward schemes. 

ANNUAL BONUS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD (AUDITED) 

The bonuses of Mediclinic International plc management were determined by a weighted average of the platform 
bonuses achieved. 

Achieved bonuses are a combination of the main performance indicator (platform underlying EBITDA) and subset 
performance indicators. The Executive Directors’ STI is calculated on the combined financial EBITDA performance 
and other financial and strategic business targets of the three platforms, weighted relative to their respective EBITDA 
contribution. The threshold and maximum targets are based on a percentage of the respective platforms approved 
budgeted EBITDA. The financial EBITDA measures, targets and performance against them are set out below. 

THRESHOLD 
– REQUIRED 
PERFORM- 
ANCE 
£’000

MAXIMUM 
REQUIRED 
PERFORM- 
ANCE
£’000

PLATFORM 

ACTUAL 
ACHIEVED 
£’000

WEIGHTING

BONUS 
% 
ACHIEVE-
MENT1

% OF 
BONUS2

169 795

Mediclinic 
Southern Africa 
(“MCSA”) 
Hirslanden 
(“Switzerland”)  226 119
Mediclinic 
Middle East 
(“MCME”) 
Total

531 812

135 898

179 626

173 923

256 676

264 740

142 903

579 205

75 862

514 525

30%

45%

25%

100%

38.23%

11.47%

98.80%

44.46%

0%

0%

55.93%

All figures translated into GBP at an exchange rate of £1:ZAR18.41; £1:CHF1.29 and £1:AED4.80 at 31 March 2017.

Notes
1 

 Platform  bonus  percentage  achievement  after  measurement  of  financial,  operational,  clinical  and  patient  quality  subset 
performance  indicators.  Subset  performance  indicator  penalties  calculated  as  a  percentage  of  achieved  EBITDA  
(see following table for details).
 Platform weighting multiplied by platform bonus achievement percentage.

2 

100

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

The  platform  subset  performance  indicators  include  financial  and  operational  objectives,  including  measures 
of  clinical  excellence.  The  non-achievement  of  subset  performance  indicators  gives  rise  to  a  reduction  in  the 
platforms EBITDA bonus percentage. The measures, targets and performance against them are set out below. 

PLATFORM 

MCSA

FINANCIAL 
PERFORM– 
ANCE  
INDICATOR 

Regional 
EBITDA 
margin

Cash 
conversion 

FINANCIAL 
TARGET 

ACTUAL 
ACHIEVE-
MENT 

21.1% 

21.2%

100%

104%

OPERATION-
AL, CLINICAL 
& PATIENT 
QUALITY PER-
FORMANCE  
INDICATORS 

Clinical 
care quality 
indicator

Patient 
experience 
indicator

ACTUAL 
ACHIEVE-
MENT

TOTAL  
SUBSET PER-
FORMANCE 
PENALTY

Partial 
achievement 
– 0.6% penalty 

10.6%

Not achieved 
– 10% penalty

Employment 
equity

Target 
achieved 

Hirslanden 

Cash 
conversion 

95%

106%

Patient 
satisfaction

86% of target 
achieved 

1.2%

Personal 
performance 

Patient 
satisfaction

Target 
achieved 

Target 
achieved 

25%

MCME

Employment 
costs – 
salaries as a % 
of turnover 

19.3% 

22.43% 

Debtor days’ 
target

Al Noor  
100 days

MCME  
60 days

159

62

The annual bonus achieved was 55.93% of a maximum bonus. The amount awarded to the Executive Directors 
is set out below:

EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR

ACTUAL 
BONUS1 (£)

ACTUAL BONUS AS A % OF 
ANNUAL BASE SALARY

MAXIMUM BONUS  
OPPORTUNITY AS A %  
OF ANNUAL SALARY 

Danie Meintjes

438 853

Craig Tingle2

54 281

Jurgens Myburgh2

174 579

83.89%

74.57%

74.57%

150%

133%

133%

Notes 
1 
2  Pro rated over the employment period.

 All figures translated into GBP at an exchange rate of £1:ZAR18.41 as at 31 March 2017.

The annual bonus payable for the reporting period will be paid in cash. 50% of the award will be deferred in shares 
for a period of two years. Deferred shares will be settled in cash, subject to continued employment. This deferral 
is not subject to any further conditions.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

101

LTIP AWARDS GRANTED IN THE REPORTING PERIOD TO EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTORS (AUDITED)

2016 LTIP

PERFORMANCE SHARES

Award date

14 June 2016 and 1 August 2016

Employment period

1 June 2016 to 31 May 2021

Performance period

1 April 2016 to 31 March 2019

Vesting date

The later of 14 June 2021 or the date upon which the Committee has satisfied 
themselves that the performance condition has been met

DATE OF 
GRANT

NUMBER OF 
SHARES

FACE VALUE 
AS A  
% OF ANNUAL 
BASE  
SALARY 

FACE 
VALUE
£’0003

END OF  
PERFORMANCE 
PERIOD

PERFORMANCE 
CONDITIONS

Danie Meintjes

14 June 2016

101 3761

901 451

200%

31 March 2019

See table below

Jurgens Myburgh 1 August 2016

49 2812

539 791

150%

31 March 2019

See table below

Notes 
1 

 The  number  of  shares  to  be  granted  was  determined  based  on  the  volume-weighted  average  share  price  of  the  middle 
market  quotation  on  the  JSE  for  the  period  five  days  prior  to  grant,  which  was  £8.89  and  translated  at  the  exchange  rate  
at grant of £1:ZAR21.68 as at 14 June 2016.
 The  number  of  shares  to  be  granted  was  determined  based  on  the  volume-weighted  average  share  price  of  the  middle 
market  quotation  on  the  JSE  for  the  period  five  days  prior  to  grant  which  was  £10.95  and  translated  at  the  exchange  rate  
at grant of £1:ZAR18.35 as at 1 August 2016.
 The  face  value  for  the  LTIP  is  calculated  using  the  volume-weighted  average  share  price  of  the  middle  market  quotation  
on the JSE for the period five days prior to grant, translated at the exchange rate at grant of £1:ZAR21.68 as at 14 June 2016  
for Danie Meintjes and £1:ZAR18.35 as at 1 August 2016 for Jurgens Myburgh. 

2 

3 

PERFORMANCE CONDITION

WEIGHTING

EPS growth

TSR ranked relative to constituents of the  
FTSE 100 Index

60%

40%

THRESHOLD
TARGET  
(25% VESTING)

5% per annum 
compounded

Median of peers 
(50th percentile)

MAXIMUM
TARGET 
(100% VESTING)

12% per annum 
compounded

Upper quartile  
of peers 
(75th percentile)

At grant, vesting of 60% of the award was based on EPS growth and the remaining 40% was determined by TSR, 
ranked relative to constituents of the FTSE 100 Index. 

EPS  and  relative  TSR  are  considered  to  be  the  most  appropriate  measures  of  long-term  performance,  in  that 
they ensure the Executive Directors are incentivised and rewarded for the underlying financial performance of 
the Company as well as creating value for shareholders. The award is subject to clawback and malus provisions.

EPS growth is measured by taking the compound annual percentage growth in EPS over the performance period. 

TSR ranked relative to constituents of the FTSE 100 Index is measured by ranking and comparing the Company’s 
TSR to the relevant TSR targets. 

Awards are denominated in shares with vesting dependent on the achievement of performance conditions over 
a three-year period. Executive Directors will be required to hold vested awards for two years. After this time, the 
value will be calculated by alignment to share price movement, but settled in cash. Where a Director has not yet 
met the share ownership guidelines, this cash must be used to purchase shares in the Company.

102

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

PAYMENTS TO FORMER DIRECTORS (AUDITED)

No payments were made to former Directors during the reporting period.

PAYMENTS FOR LOSS OF OFFICE (AUDITED)

Craig Tingle retired as CFO on 15 June 2016. He received normal pay and benefits up to this date and six months’ 
salary in lieu of notice. An amount of £179 357 in lieu of unworked contractual notice period was paid in phased 
instalments  and  was  subject  to  mitigation  until  the  expiry  of  the  notice  period.  Payment  of  £40  513  in  lieu  of 
accrued but not taken holiday entitlement was also paid at termination.

In respect of the Awards made in 2014 and 2015, under the Mediclinic International Limited Forfeitable Share Plan 
(“FSP”), where performance has been tested, 47 516 vested awards will be released to Craig Tingle on the original 
vesting dates.

A payment of £54 281 in respect of the 2017 annual STI was made on the normal payment date. This payment 
was calculated on the same basis as for the other Executive Directors and pro rated for the employment period. 
Full payment details are on page 100. All figures translated into GBP are at an exchange rate of £1:ZAR18.41 at  
31 March 2017.

AR

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN REMUNERATION LEVELS 

The table below shows how the percentage change in the CEO’s salary, benefits and bonus between 2016 and 
2017 compared with the percentage change in the average of each of those components of pay for employees 
in South Africa in local currency. The Committee selected employees in South Africa, as these provide the most 
appropriate comparator as they are subject to the same inflationary conditions. 

% CHANGE IN CEO SALARY, BENEFITS AND BONUS

CEO1

Salary

Benefits2

Bonus3

All employees

Salary

Benefits

Bonus3

% 
CHANGE

40%

430%

11%

5.60%

8.50%

(25%)

Notes
1 

2 

3 

 The  CEO’s  percentage  change  is  calculated  on  the  annualised  2016  salary,  benefits  and  bonus  as  disclosed  in  last  year’s 
Directors’  Remuneration  Report.  For  the  purpose  of  the  CEO’s  salary,  the  local  salary  was  translated  into  GBP  at  a  rate  of 
£1:ZAR20.73 at 1 April 2016 and £1:ZAR17.82 at 1 April 2015.
 Annualised  benefits  as  disclosed  in  last  year’s  Directors’  Remuneration  Report  compared  with  the  current  reporting  
period benefits. The current reporting period benefits include UK business expense reimbursements due to the Company’s 
LSE listing following the Combination, which was not provided in the prior year. The change in benefits amounts to an increase 
amount of £6 357.
 As disclosed in last year’s Directors’ Remuneration Report, the annual bonus opportunity for the CEO increased from 133% to 
150%. The total South African employees’ percentage change is calculated based on the prior year achievement of 58% of the  
maximum  bonus  as  disclosed  in  last  year’s  Directors’  Remuneration  Report  compared  against  an  achievement  of  38%  of  
the maximum bonus in the current period.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPEND ON STAFF COSTS 

To  place  the  Directors’  remuneration  in  context  with  the  Group’s  finance,  the  Committee  used  the  below 
comparison. The table below shows the spend on staff costs for the reporting period compared to the spend on 
staff costs in the 12-month period to 31 December 2015, as disclosed in last year’s Directors’ Remuneration Report 
(page 90) compared to returns to shareholders over the same period:

Staff costs

Returns to shareholders (dividends)

2016/17
£’000

1 231 000

62 000

2015/16
£’000

150 044

14 8782

CHANGE1
%

720%

317%

Notes 
1 

 The annual change is not comparable as the 2015/2016 figures are prior to Combination covering the Al Noor employees and 
returns to shareholders, as compared to the current reporting period covering Mediclinic employees and Mediclinic’s return to 
shareholders.

2   Excludes the special dividend of £383.3m paid on Combination.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

103

DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDING AND SHARE INTERESTS (AUDITED) 

The tables below set out the Directors’ shareholding, including shareholding by persons connected to them, and 
share interests. There were no changes in the Directors’ shareholding between the financial year end and the Last 
Practicable Date, being 23 May 2017. Full details of the Directors’ shareholdings and share allocations are given 
in the Company’s Register of Directors’ Interests, which is open to inspection at the Company’s registered office 
during business hours. 

The  Executive  Directors  are  required  to  build  up  a  minimum  shareholding  in  Mediclinic,  as  explained  in  the 
Directors’  Remuneration  Report.  Shares  are  valued  for  these  purposes  at  the  year-end-price,  which  was  £7.12  
per share as at 31 March 2017. 

SHARE- 
HOLDING 
GUIDELINES 
AS A % OF 
ANNUAL 
BASE  
SALARY 

SHARES 
HELD 
AS AT  
31 MARCH 
2016

SHARES
HELD
AS AT  
31 MARCH 
2017

% OF 
ISSUED 
SHARES

OUTSTANDING 
UNVESTED 
LTIP AWARDS 
WITH PER-
FORMANCE 
CONDITIONS3

OUTSTANDING 
VESTED FSP 
AWARDS4 

SHAREHOLDING  
REQUIREMENT 
MET

Danie 
Meintjes

225%

118 215

123 900

0.02%

101 376

83 372 

Jurgens 
Myburgh1 200%

0

14 000

0.00%

49 281

n/a

Craig 
Tingle2

200%

68 969

68 969

0.01%

n/a

47 516

Yes

No

n/a

Jurgens Myburgh was appointed as an Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer on 1 August 2016.

Notes
1 
2  Craig Tingle retired and resigned as a Director and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company on 15 June 2016.
3 

 Unvested  awards  held  under  the  LTIP  are  subject  to  performance  conditions.  Awards  will  be  settled  in  cash  and  therefore  
are not taken into consideration as part of determining whether shareholding requirements have been met.
 Vested  awards  held  under  the  Mediclinic  International  Limited  Forfeitable  Share  Plan  (“FSP”)  where  performance  has  
been tested but shares have not yet been released. Final vesting will take place on the original vesting date.

4 

The shareholding in Mediclinic by Non-executive Directors is shown below: 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

AS AT 31 MARCH 2016 

AS AT 31 MARCH 2017 

Dr Edwin Hertzog

Desmond Smith

Ian Tyler2

Seamus Keating

Trevor Petersen

Nandi Mandela

Prof Dr Robert Leu

Alan Grieve

Jannie Durand

Pieter Uys3

3 767 388

0

12 090

0

0

0

0

0

0

417

407 5591

0

0

0

0

0

0

7 500

0

417

Notes
1 

2 

 As announced on 5 December 2016, Dr Edwin Hertzog transferred 3 360 579 ordinary shares in the capital of the Company, 
held  beneficially  by  him  through  Elstelm  Beleggings  (Pty)  Ltd  to  entities  controlled  by  his  adult  children  with  effect  from  
1 December 2016.
 Ian Tyler resigned as a Director of the Company on 21 February 2017. In June 2013, the Company (then Al Noor Hospitals Group 
plc) granted Ian Tyler 8 695 ordinary shares, which shares had an aggregate value of £50 000 calculated at a share price of 
£5.75 per share. To preserve his position after the Combination of Al Noor and Mediclinic, and the subsequent expected drop 
in share price, the Company increased the number of shares allocated to 12 090 in February 2016. On 5 June 2016, being the 
third anniversary of his appointment, the above award was settled through a payment of £106 029.30 in cash and settlement 
of the resulting tax liability of £94 026, both calculated using a share price of £8.77 per share. As a result of this payment, his 
interest under the share award has been satisfied. 

3  Pieter Uys is the alternate to Jannie Durand.

There are no requirements for Non-executive Directors to hold shares, nor for any former Director to hold shares 
once they have left the Company. 

104

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REMUNERATION POLICY FOR 2018 

BASE SALARY 

None of the Executive Directors received any adjustments to their guaranteed package for the next financial year. 
This compares with an average base salary increase of 5.74% for MCSA employees (2016: 5.60%). 

The Committee considers the remuneration packages in the context of other London-listed companies of similar 
size  and  international  footprint.  Remuneration  levels  were  set  with  reference  to  local  South  African  pay  levels 
and a broader international comparison. Given the widening geographic footprint of the Group, the Committee 
placed greater weight on the international comparators. 

SALARY
 FROM
1 APRIL 20171
 £’000

SALARY
 FROM 
1 APRIL 2017 
ZAR’000

SALARY
 FROM 
1 APRIL 20161
£’000

SALARY
 FROM 
1 APRIL 2016
ZAR’000

% 
INCREASE2

Danie Meintjes

Jurgens Myburgh 

523 

351

9 630

6 465

471

3193

9 630

6 465

0%

0%

Notes 
1  Salaries translated into GBP at a rate of £1:ZAR18.41 at 31 March 2017 and £1:ZAR20.73 at 31 March 2016. 
2  There were no salary increases awarded to Executive Directors over the reporting period.
3  Salary as at 1 August 2016. 

Between 70% and 80% of the total potential remuneration offered to Executive Directors is subject to meeting  
performance conditions. 

STI 2018

The Executive Directors have a maximum STI opportunity of 150% (CEO) and 133% (CFO) of annual salary. Of 
the achieved award 50% will be deferred in shares for two years. Deferred shares may be settled in cash, subject 
to continued employment. Where awards are cash-settled and a Director has not yet met the share ownership 
guidelines, this cash must be used to purchase shares in the Company. Dividends that accrue on the deferred 
shares during the vesting period may be paid in cash at the time of vesting.

The performance measure for the Executive Directors’ STI in 2017/18 will be calculated on the combined Group 
EBITDA performance. 

We do not publish details of the financial targets in advance since these are commercially confidential. We will 
publish  achievement  against  these  targets  when  we  disclose  bonus  payments  in  the  Annual  Report,  so  that 
shareholders can evaluate performance against those targets. 

The award will be subject to malus and clawback provisions.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

105

LTIP AWARDS TO BE GRANTED IN 2017

The Committee intends to grant an LTIP conditional award to the Executive Directors in 2017 over shares with a 
value of 200% (CEO) and 150% (CFO) of salary. 

Vesting of 60% of the award will be based on EPS growth and the remaining 40% will be determined by TSR 
measured relative to the constituents of the FTSE 100 Index over three years. Executive Directors will be required 
to  hold  vested  awards  for  two  years.  After  this  time,  the  value  will  be  calculated  by  alignment  to  share  price 
movement, but settled in cash. Where a Director has not yet met the share ownership guidelines, this cash must 
be used to purchase shares in the Company. Dividends that accrue during the vesting and holding periods will be 
paid in cash to the extent that awards have vested.

EPS and relative TSR are considered to be the most appropriate measures of long-term performance, in that they 
ensure the Directors are incentivised and rewarded for the underlying financial performance of the Group and 
creating value for shareholders.

PERFORMANCE  
CONDITION

EPS growth

TSR ranked relative to 
constituents of the  
FTSE 100 Index

WEIGHTING

THRESHOLD TARGET
(25% VESTING)

MAXIMUM TARGET 
(100% VESTING)

60%

40%

5% per  
annum compounded

12% per  
annum compounded

Median of peers 
(50th percentile)

Upper quartile  
of peers 
(75th percentile)

An “underpin” applies which allows the Committee to reduce or withhold vesting if the Committee is not satisfied 
with the underlying operational and economic performance of the Company. The “underpin” evaluation includes 
consideration of environmental, social and governance factors and financial performance.

The Committee will keep the performance measures under review and may change the performance condition 
for future awards if they are not considered to be aligned with the Company’s interests and strategic objectives. 
However, the Committee will consult with major shareholders in advance about any proposed material change in 
performance measures.

The award will be subject to clawback and malus provisions. 

PENSION ENTITLEMENT

The Executive Directors participate in the Mediclinic Southern Africa defined contribution fund and will be eligible 
for a 9% Company pension contribution, in line with the Remuneration Policy. 

106

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

FEES FOR THE CHAIRMAN AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The  Chairman’s  remuneration  is  determined  by  the  Committee.  Non-executive  Director’s  remuneration  is 
determined by the Board, based on the responsibility and time committed to the Group’s affairs and appropriate 
market comparisons. Individual Non-executive Directors do not take part in decisions regarding their own fees. 
In line with granting no increases to Executive Directors, there were no adjustments to Non-executive Directors’ 
fees in the reporting period. 

BASE FEES

Chairman1

Base Board fee 

Audit and Risk Committee Chair 

Remuneration Committee Chair 

Nomination Committee Chair

FEE FROM 
1 APRIL 2017

FEE FROM 
1 APRIL 2016

% 
INCREASE

£250 000

£250 000

£60 000

£60 000

£15 000

£15 000

£15 000

£15 000

£0

£0

Clinical Performance and Sustainability Committee Chair 

£10 000

£10 000

Investment Committee Chair 

Senior Independent Director

Committee member fees 

Audit and Risk Committee 

Remuneration Committee 

Nomination Committee

Clinical Performance and Sustainability Committee 

Investment Committee

£10 000

£10 000

£25 000

£25 000

£10 000

£10 000

£10 000

£10 000

£0

£6 600

£6 600

£0

£6 600

£6 600

Note
1 

 The Board Chairman Fee is an all-inclusive fee which includes Board committees and membership fees, where applicable.

0%

0%

0%

0%

–

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

–

0%

0%

SHAREHOLDER VOTING AT AGM

The Remuneration Policy was approved with a 98.6% vote in favour thereof at the Company’s general meeting 
on  15  December  2015.  The  Remuneration  Policy  incorporated  a  number  of  changes,  taking  into  account  the 
principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code and the views of major shareholders and proxy agencies, as 
expressed during previous engagement on remuneration matters.

At the Company’s general meeting held on 15 December 2015 (then Al Noor Hospitals Group plc), the following 
votes were received from shareholders:

FOR

%

AGAINST

% WITHHELD

TOTAL
 SHARES
VOTED

Remuneration Policy 

85 445 949

98.62

1 194 996

1.38

0

86 640 945

At  the  Company’s  annual  general  meeting  held  on  20  June  2016,  the  following  votes  were  received  from 
shareholders in respect of the Directors’ Remuneration Report included in the 2016 Annual Report:

FOR

%

AGAINST

% WITHHELD

TOTAL 
SHARES 
VOTED

% OF 
ISSUED 
SHARES 
VOTED

Directors’ 
Remuneration Report 

529 410 739

85.02

93 301 901

14.98%

434 105

622 712 640

84.46%

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

107

ADVISORS TO THE COMMITTEE 

During  the  year,  the  Committee  and  the  Company  retained  independent  external  advisors  to  assist  them  on 
various aspects of the Company’s remuneration as set out below:

ADVISOR

New Bridge Street 
(“NBS”), a trading 
name of Aon plc

APPOINTED/
SELECTED BY

SERVICES 
PROVIDED

Appointed by 
the Committee 
following a 
competitive 
tendering process 
and reviewed 
annually by the 
Committee

FEES PAID BY THE 
COMPANY FOR 
THESE SERVICES  
PROVIDED IN THE 
REPORTING  
PERIOD

OTHER SERVICES 
PROVIDED TO  
THE COMPANY IN 
THE REPORTING 
PERIOD

£35 897 based on 
time charges for 
work completed

N/A

£2 245 based on 
time charges for 
work completed

LTIP 
recommendations

Group 
Remuneration Policy 
recommendations

Member of the 
Remuneration 
Consultants Group 
and adheres to the 
Voluntary Code of 
Conduct in relation 
to executive 
remuneration 
consulting in the UK

General advice 
on remuneration 
matters

Advice on UK 
market practice 
and UK shareholder 
perspectives 

Recommendation 
on senior 
management job 
grading structure

One Vision 
Investments 406 
(Pty) Ltd

Appointed by the 
Group Executive: 
Reward with 
approval from  
the CEO

The Committee considered the independence and objectivity of NBS. NBS provided assurances to the Committee 
that  it  has  effective  internal  processes  in  place  to  ensure  that  it  is  able  to  provide  remuneration  consultancy 
services independently and objectively. NBS confirmed to the Company that it is a member of the Remuneration 
Consultants Group and as such operates under the code of conduct in relation to executive remuneration consulting 
in the UK. The Committee is, following its annual review, satisfied that NBS has maintained independence and 
objectivity. 

Trevor Petersen
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
23 May 2017

108

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Dear Shareholder,

the 

Ian  Tyler, 

resignation  of 

I  was 
Following 
appointed as Chairman of the Nomination Committee  
(the  “Committee”)  on  17  March  2017.  It  is  therefore  
my pleasure to report on the activities of the Committee 
for  the  year  ended  31  March  2017.  During  the  year, 
the  Committee  continued  to  focus  on  Board  and 
Committee composition, diversity, succession planning 
and has undertaken an evaluation of the performance 
of the Committee.

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION AND 
MEETING ATTENDANCE

The current composition of the Committee meets the 
requirements  of  the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code 
2014 (the “Code”), with the majority of members being 
Independent  Non-executive  Directors.  Biographical 
details  of  all  Committee  members  are  included  on 
pages 70 to 71. 

AR

The  composition  and  attendance  of  Committee 
meetings  during  the  period  under  review  are  set  out 
in Figure 1.

The Company Secretary is secretary to the Committee 
and  attends  all  meetings.  The  Company  Secretary  is 
available  to  assist  the  members  of  the  Committee, 
as  required,  ensuring  that  timely  and  accurate 
information is distributed accordingly. Other attendees 
at  Committee  meetings  may,  from  time  to  time,  and 
upon  invitation  from  the  Committee,  include  the  
Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Talent  Management 
General Manager.

Dr Edwin Hertzog 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

FIGURE 1: COMMITTEE COMPOSITION AND MEETING ATTENDANCE

NAME1

DESIGNATION

DATE OF
APPOINTMENT
(AS COMMITTEE
MEMBER) 

NUMBER OF
COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
ATTENDED 

Dr Edwin Hertzog2
(Committee Chairman)

Non-executive Director

15/02/2016

Jannie Durand

Non-executive Director

15/02/2016

1 of 1

1 of 1

Prof Dr Robert Leu

Trevor Petersen 

Desmond Smith

Ian Tyler2 
(Committee Chairman)

Independent Non-executive 
Director

Independent Non-executive 
Director

Independent Non-executive 
Director

15/02/2016

1 of 1

15/02/2016

1 of 1

15/02/2016

1 of 1

Senior Independent Director 

05/06/2013

1 of 1

AR

Notes
1 
2  

 Committee members’ biographies can be found on pages 70 to 71 of the Annual Report.
 Ian Tyler resigned as a Director of the Company with effect from 21 February 2017. Dr Edwin Hertzog, already a Committee 
member since 15 February 2016, was appointed as the Committee Chairman on 17 March 2017.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

109

KEY AREAS OF ACTIVITY

SUCCESSION PLANNING 

The  Committee  reviewed  and 
is  developing  the 
succession  planning  for  both  the  Executive  Directors 
together  with  the  talent  pipeline  reporting  to  the 
executive team. 

A  detailed  review  of  each  platform’s  talent  pipeline 
strategy  was  undertaken.  This  was  supported  by  a 
review of the talent pools towards Group and platform 
key positions. A leadership development strategy was 
discussed and a mandate given to proceed with inter-
group development initiatives. 

Each platform CEO is accountable for developing and 
recruiting a diverse workforce. 

BOARD AND COMMITTEE 
COMPOSITION

The  Committee  considered  the  structure,  size  and 
composition of the Board. The outcome of the Board 
evaluation,  which  evaluated  the  performance  of  the 
Board in relation to the five main principles set out in  
the  Code,  helped 
the  Committee’s 
considerations.  In  particular,  when  the  composition 
of  the  Board  and  its  committees  are  deliberated,  the 
Committee is also mindful of each Director’s knowledge, 
skills and experience, the independent judgement they 
bring to discussions and their other commitments. 

inform 

to 

Following 
Ian  Tyler’s  resignation,  the  Committee 
considered  the  appointment  of  a  Senior  Independent 
Director  (“SID”)  and,  as  a  result,  Desmond  Smith  was 
appointed as the SID with effect from 21 February 2017. 

The  Committee  also  carried  out  a  review  of  the 
composition  of  all  the  Board  committees.  As  a  result 
of  this  review,  Dr  Edwin  Hertzog  was  appointed  as 
Chairman  of  the  Committee;  Prof  Dr  Robert  Leu  was 
appointed  as  a  member  of  the  Clinical  Performance 
and  Sustainability  Committee;  Seamus  Keating 
was  appointed  as  a  member  of  the  Remuneration 
Committee;  and  Alan  Grieve  was  appointed  as  a 
member and Chairman of the Disclosure Committee. 

The Committee continued to consider the appointment 
of  additional  Independent  Non-executive  Directors 
to  further  strengthen  the  Board  and  its  Committees 
with  diverse  expertise  and  to  increase  the  female 
is 
representation  on  the  Board.  The  Committee 
considering  the  appointment  of  two  additional 
Independent  Non-executive  Directors,  with  the  aim 
to conclude on the appointment of both positions by  
31 March 2018. 

The appointment of new Directors is an extensive and 
rigorous process. The Committee identified the key skills 
and experience required of the additional Non-executive 
Directors.  An 
recruitment 
consultancy firm, with no connection to the Company, 
has been appointed to assist with this process. 

independent  external 

COMMITTEE EXPERIENCE 

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION

17%

17%

17%

83%

Finance and
accounting

Healthcare

66%

Independent
Non-executive
Directors

Non-executive
Chairman of 
the Board

Non-executive
Directors

 
 
110

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT

DIVERSITY

During the year, the Committee reviewed and updated its 
Board Diversity Policy. The Board believes that diversity 
is  not  limited  to  gender  and  that  a  diverse  Board  will 
include and make good use of differences in the skills, 
geographic  location,  industry  experience,  background, 
race, gender and other characteristics of the Directors. 
These  factors  will  be  considered  in  determining  the 
optimum composition of the Board and when possible 
will be balanced appropriately. However, when recruiting 
new  Directors,  consideration  will  also  be  given  to 
ensuring that the Board does not become so large as to 
be unwieldy and that all Board appointments are made 
on justifiable merit. The Committee will continue to take 
cognisance of relevant prescribed guidelines as well as 
the performance of peer companies in fulfilling their role 
with regards to diversity. 

The  Board  not  only  supports  the  principles  of 
boardroom diversity in general, it also takes boardroom 
skills  diversity  seriously  and  actively  considers  this 
matter  regularly  at  Board  and  Committee  meetings.  
The  Board  believes  that  maintaining  an  appropriate 
balance of skills, knowledge, experience and backgrounds 
is imperative and is related to it being able to perform  
its role effectively. 

The  Board’s  Diversity  Policy  contains  four  objectives 
to  support  the  Board’s  commitment  to  achieving 
diversity, as set out below:
•  the Board will not impose quotas regarding 

diversity, although it will remain committed to 
achieving diversity in the composition of the Board 
and executive management; 

•  the Committee will annually consider and make 
recommendations, if applicable, to the Board on 
its diversity objectives in respect of the Board and 
executive management;

•  in reviewing the composition of the Board and 
executive management, the Committee will, in 
addition to considering the balance of skills, 
experience, independence and knowledge of the 
Board, also consider the diversity of the Board; and
•  in identifying suitable candidates for appointment 
to the Board, the Committee will assess candidates 
on merit against objective criteria and with due 
regard to the benefits of diversity on the Board.

The Board (on recommendation of the Committee) will 
report annually on any issues and challenges the Board 
is  facing  when  considering  the  diverse  composition 
of  the  Board  and  executive  management.  In  addition, 
going forward, the Committee will report on progress 
made on achieving these objectives. 

COMMITTEE EVALUATION 

The Committee’s performance was internally evaluated 
by  the  members  of  the  Committee  by  way  of  a  
self-evaluation  questionnaire,  which  results  were 
considered  by  the  Committee  and  the  Board.  No 
significant  issues  that  require  improvement  were 
identified and the Committee and the Board concluded 
that it operated effectively during the year. 

AR

AR

EVALUATION OF THE 
COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE AND 
FUNCTIONING OF THE BOARD

The  evaluation  of  the  Board  was  also  carried  out 
internally  by  way  of  a  self-evaluation  questionnaire. 
The  questionnaire 
focus  on  Board 
includes  a 
composition and expertise, the Board’s role in setting 
strategy,  its  understanding  of  risks  facing  the  Group, 
succession  planning,  and  the  effectiveness  of  the 
Board  committees.  The  Board  regards  the  evaluation 
process as an important way to monitor the progress 
made  over  the  years.  Further  detail  on  the  Board 
effectiveness evaluation is included on page 81.

When  considering  the  election  or  re-election  of 
Directors,  the  Committee  pays  due  regard  to  the 
outcome of the Board evaluation process and considers 
many 
individual  Director’s 
knowledge,  skill  and  experience,  the  independent 
judgement they bring to Board deliberations and their 
other commitments. 

including  the 

factors 

At  the  Company’s  annual  general  meeting  to  be  held 
on 25 July 2017, Jurgens Myburgh, who was appointed 
as  a  Director  from  1  August  2016,  will  stand  for 
election as it is the first annual general meeting of the 
Company  since  his  appointment.  In  accordance  with 
the recommendation for FTSE 350 companies set out 
in  the  Code,  all  other  Directors  will  stand  for  annual 
re-election at the meeting. The biographical details of 
the current Directors can be found on pages 70 to 71. 

The  terms  and  conditions  of  appointment  of  the  
Non-executive Directors, which include their expected 
time  commitment,  are  available  for  inspection  at  the 
Company’s registered office. 

PRIORITIES FOR THE COMMITTEE 
IN 2017/18

For  the  coming  financial  year,  the  Committee  will, 
among other matters, focus on the following:
•  the continued development of succession plans 

and the talent pipeline; 

•  the recruitment of additional Independent  
Non-executive Directors to the Board; and
•  the development of the Company’s diversity 

strategy. 

Signed on behalf of the Nomination Committee.

Dr Edwin Hertzog
Chairman of the Nomination Committee 
23 May 2017

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REPORT 

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

111

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY 
COMMITTEE REPORT 

Dear Shareholder,

It  is  my  pleasure  to  report  on  the  activities  of  the 
Clinical  Performance  and  Sustainability  Committee 
(the  “Committee”)  for  the  reporting  period  ended 
31  March  2017.  This  mainly  revolved  around  the 
Committee’s  focus  on  the  activities  of  the  Group 
relating  to  the  improvement  of  safety  and  quality 
of  care  in  support  of  Mediclinic’s  Patients  First 
ethos,  clinical 
risk  management,  accreditation 
process,  various  sustainability  initiatives  (including 
confirmation  of  key  sustainability  priorities,  patient 
experience,  employee  engagement,  sponsorships, 
ethics and fraud, governance of advertising, statement 
on  slavery  and  human  trafficking).  The  Committee 
also  considered  and  approved  the  annual  Clinical 
Services  Report  and  the  Sustainable  Development 
Report, which reports are available on the Company’s 
website at www.mediclinic.com.

CSR

SDR

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION AND 
MEETING ATTENDANCE

The composition and attendance of Committee meetings 
during the period under review are set out in Figure 1.  
The  Committee  members  are  suitably  skilled  and 
experienced. The Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Ronnie van 
der  Merwe,  and  the  Chief  Corporate  Services  Officer 
(who  is  also  responsible  for  the  Group’s  sustainable 
development  management),  Gert  Hattingh,  are 
invited  on  a  permanent  basis  to  attend  and  speak  at 
all  Committee  meetings.  Other  relevant  members 
of  management  are  invited  to  attend  Committee 
meetings,  as  required.  The  Company  Secretary  is 
secretary to the Committee and attends all meetings.

Dr Edwin Hertzog 
Chairman of the Clinical Performance 
 and Sustainability Committee

FIGURE 1: COMMITTEE COMPOSITION AND MEETING ATTENDANCE

NAME1

DESIGNATION

DATE OF
APPOINTMENT
(AS COMMITTEE
MEMBER) 

NUMBER OF
COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
ATTENDED2

Dr Edwin Hertzog  
(Committee Chairman) 

Non-executive Director 

15/02/2016

Nandi Mandela 

Danie Meintjes 

Independent Non-executive Director 

15/02/2016

Executive: Chief Executive Officer 

15/02/2016

Prof Dr Robert Leu3 

Independent Non-executive Director

17/03/2017

Ian Tyler4

Senior Independent Director 

15/02/2016

2 of 2

2 of 2

2 of 2

n/a

2 of 2

 Committee members’ biographies can be found on pages 70 to 71 of the Annual Report.

Notes
1 
2   Since year end, the Committee met once and all members attended.
3  Robert Leu was appointed as member of the Committee on 17 March 2017. 
4 

Ian Tyler resigned as a Director of the Company on 21 February 2017.

AR

112

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REPORT 

KEY AREAS OF ACTIVITY

The  responsibilities  and  functions  of  the  Committee 
are governed by a formal terms of reference, approved 
by  the  Board,  which  is  subject  to  regular  review, 
at  least  annually.  As  previously  reported,  the  role 
of  the  Committee  was  expanded  during  the  year 
to  also  include,  apart  from  its  clinical  performance 
monitoring  role,  the  monitoring  of  the  Group’s 
sustainable  development  and  to  fulfil  the  statutory 
duties of a social and ethics committee in terms of the 
SA  Companies  Act  in  respect  of  certain  of  its  South 
African subsidiaries. 

The Committee met twice during the year under review, 
where the main focus was on:

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE

In  relation  to  the  Committee’s  clinical  performance 
functions, the Committee is responsible for promoting 
a culture of excellence in patient safety, quality of care 
and patient experience. During the year, the Committee 
focused, inter alia, on the following: 
•  monitoring the clinical performance of the Group; 
•  evaluating patient safety, infection prevention and 
control, and quality improvement performance; 
•  evaluating compliance with the Company’s patient 
safety and quality clinical care standards, policies 
and procedure, and regulation and accreditation 
standards at the operating platforms; and

•  reviewing and approving the annual Clinical 
Services Overview in the Annual Report and 
the Clinical Services Report available on the 
Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com.

AR

CSR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In relation to the Committee’s sustainability functions, 
the  Committee  is  responsible  for  ensuring  that  the 
Group  remains  a  good  and  responsible  corporate 
citizen. During the year, the Committee focused, inter 
alia, on the following: 
•  reviewing the Group’s policies with regard to the 
commitment, governance and reporting of the 
Group’s sustainable development performance, 
including the Group Sustainable Development 
Policy, Group Environmental Policy and Code of 
Business Conduct and Ethics. These are available on 
the Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com; 

•  monitoring the sustainable development 

performance of the Group, with specific regard to 
stakeholder engagement (which include the results 
of the patient experience index and employee 
engagement survey), health and public safety, 
broad-based black economic empowerment 
in South Africa, labour relations and working 
conditions, reviewing and recommending to 
the Board the Company’s statement on slavery 
and human trafficking in terms of the Modern 
Slavery Act (available on the Company’s website 
at www.mediclinic.com), training and skills 

COMMITTEE INDUSTRY SECTOR EXPERIENCE 

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION

20%

60%

25%

25%

20%

Healthcare

Academia

Infrastructure

50%

Independent
Non-executive
Directors

Non-executive
Director

Executive
Director

 
 
CLINICAL PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REPORT 

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

113

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

In  terms  of  the  SA  Companies  Act,  a  social  and 
ethics committee must, through one of its members, 
report  to  the  shareholders  at  the  company’s  annual 
general  meeting  on  the  matters  within  its  mandate. 
As the Committee is performing the role and function 
of  a  social  and  ethics  committee  in  terms  of  the  
SA  Companies  Act,  the  Committee  will  fulfil  this 
function  by  referring  shareholders  at  the  Company’s 
annual general meeting on 25 July 2017 to this report 
by the Committee, which should be read in conjunction 
with  the  Sustainable  Development  Report  available 
on  the  Company’s  website  at  www.mediclinic.com.  
Any  specific  questions  to  the  Committee  may  be 
sent  to  the  Company  Secretary  prior  to  the  annual  
general meeting. 

SDR

PRIORITIES FOR THE COMMITTEE 
IN 2017/18 

For  the  coming  financial  year,  the  Committee  will, 
among other matters, focus on the following:
•  the further development of clinical performance 

measurement;

•  strengthening the clinical expertise of the 

Committee; and

•  the continued monitoring of the Company’s 

sustainable development.

Signed  on  behalf  of  the  Clinical  Performance  and 
Sustainability Committee.

Dr Edwin Hertzog
Chairman of the Clinical Performance  
and Sustainability Committee 
23 May 2017

AR

SDR

AR

SDR

development of employees, management of 
the Group’s environmental impacts, fraud and 
ethics, compliance (which include the governance 
of advertising and compliance with consumer 
protection laws) and corporate social investment; 

•  confirming the key sustainability priorities, as 
recommended by management, reported on  
pages 55 to 68 and the Sustainable Development 
Report available on the Company’s website at 
www.mediclinic.com; and

•  reviewing and approving the annual Sustainable 
Development Highlights included in the Annual 
Report and the Sustainable Development  
Report published on the Company’s website at 
www.mediclinic.com.

As referred to above, certain South African subsidiaries 
of the Company are required to appoint a social and 
ethics committee in terms of the SA Companies Act, 
unless  such  companies  are  subsidiaries  of  another 
company that has a social and ethics committee, and 
the social and ethics committee of that company will 
perform  the  functions  required  by  this  regulation  on 
behalf  of  that  subsidiary  company.  The  Committee 
also  performs  the  statutory 
functions  required 
of  a  social  and  ethics  committee  in  terms  of  the  
SA Companies Act.

ASSURANCE

The  Committee  considered  the  need  for  external 
assurance of the Group’s public reporting, particularly 
in relation to the Company’s sustainable development 
performance.  The  Committee  is  satisfied  that  the 
current  level  of  combined  assurance  provides  the 
necessary  independent  assurance  over  the  quality 
and reliability of the information presented in relation 
to  the  Group’s  clinical  performance  and  sustainable 
to  
development.  The  Committee  will  continue 
monitor  whether  additional  forms  of  assurance  are 
required in future.

COMMITTEE EVALUATION 

The Committee’s performance was internally evaluated 
by  the  members  of  the  Committee  by  way  of  a  
self-evaluation  questionnaire,  which  results  were 
considered by the Committee and the Board. Following 
feedback received from the self-evaluation, the Board 
agreed to increase the number of Committee meetings 
to  at  least  three  per  annum,  to  allow  for  greater 
discussion  on  clinical  performance  matters.  No  other 
significant  issues  that  require  improvement  were 
identified and the Committee and the Board concluded 
that it operated effectively during the year. 

114

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

Dear Shareholder,

As  Chairman  of  the  Audit  and  Risk  Committee  
(the  “Committee”),  I  am  pleased  to  present  the 
Committee’s report for the year ended 31 March 2017. 

insight 

This  report  seeks  to  provide 
into  the 
functioning of the Committee and its activities during 
the reporting period. It includes an overview of the key 
areas of activity and principal topics covered at each 
meeting,  together  with  a  review  of  the  effectiveness 
of  the  Company’s  external  auditors,  the  Company’s 
internal  controls,  risk  management  and  combined 
assurance  systems,  a  review  of  the  effectiveness  of 
the  Committee,  and  its  priorities  for  2017/18.  The 
Committee’s  terms  of  reference  are  available  in  the 
governance  section  of  the  Company’s  website  at 
www.mediclinic.com and are summarised on page 75 
in the Corporate Governance Statement. 

AR

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION AND 
MEETING ATTENDANCE

The composition of the Committee complies with the 
UK  Corporate  Governance  Code  (the  “Code”),  which 
provides  that  all  members  should  be  Independent 
Non-executive  Directors.  The  Board  regards  each 
member  of  the  Committee  as  having  recent  and 
relevant  financial  experience  for  the  purposes  of  the 
Code and the Financial Reporting Council’s Guidance 
on  Audit  Committees.  The  Board  is  further  satisfied 
that  the  Committee,  as  a  whole,  has  the  required 
sector-specific  competence  and  that  the  combined 
knowledge  and  experience  of  its  members  is  such 
that the Committee exercises its duties in an effective, 
informed and responsible manner. The composition of 
the  Committee  and  meeting  attendance  during  the 
period under review are set out in Figure 1.

Desmond Smith
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee

FIGURE 1: COMMITTEE COMPOSITION AND MEETING ATTENDANCE

NAME1

QUALIFICATIONS

DATE APPOINTED 
(AS COMMITTEE 
MEMBER)

NUMBER OF 
COMMITTEE 
MEETINGS
ATTENDED2

Desmond Smith  
(Committee Chairman)

Alan Grieve

Seamus Keating

Trevor Petersen

Ian Tyler3

B.Sc., FASSA

B.A. (Hons), CA

FCMA

15/02/2016

15/02/2016

05/06/2013

B.Comm. (Hons), CA(SA)

15/02/2016

ACA, B.Comm.

05/06/2013

4 of 4

4 of 4

4 of 4

4 of 4

3 of 3

Notes
1 

AR

 Committee members’ biographies can be found on pages 70 to 71. All members are Independent Non-executive Directors. The 
Committee Chairman, Desmond Smith, is also the Senior Independent Director.
 One Committee meeting was held between the Company’s financial year end and the Last Practicable Date, which meeting 
was attended by all members.
 Ian Tyler resigned as a Director and Committee member with effect from 21 February 2017 and therefore was only eligible  
to attend three Committee meetings during the year.

2  

3  

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

115

“The Committee continues to focus 
on the standardisation of the internal 
controls and risk management 
framework across the Group and  
the integration of Al Noor into the 
Group’s structures, registers,  
reporting and processes.” 

to 

is  Secretary 

The  Company  Secretary 
the 
Committee and attends all meetings. Other attendees 
at  Committee  meetings  may  differ  from  time  to 
invitation  from  the  Committee 
time,  and  upon 
include  Danie  Meintjes  (Chief  Executive  Officer),  
Jurgens  Myburgh 
Financial  Officer),  
(Chief 
Dr  Edwin  Hertzog  (Company  Chairman),  Pieter  Uys 
(alternate  to  Jannie  Durand),  Gert  Hattingh  (Chief 
Corporate Services Officer) and relevant management 
members. The Committee may also invite representatives 
from the internal auditors (Remgro Internal Audit) and 
external  auditors  (PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  and 
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.). 

KEY AREAS OF ACTIVITY

INTEGRATION OF AL NOOR 
BUSINESS 

The  combination  of  the  Al  Noor  business  with 
the  Group’s  Middle  East  platform,  effective  from  
February  2016,  continued  to  be  a  key  area  of  focus 
for  the  Committee  during  the  year.  This  included 
reviewing  the  progress  on  the  integration  of  Al  Noor 

into  the  Group’s  Middle  Eastern  platform’s  financial 
reporting; governance, risk and compliance processes; 
aligning  business  practices  and  embedding  policies 
and  procedures  across  the  platform.  In  addition,  the 
Committee  considered  and  reviewed  the  purchase 
price  allocation  related  to  the  reverse  acquisition, 
reviewed  the  financial  performance  of  the  platform 
relative  to  budget,  and  monitored  the  realisation  of 
efficiencies and synergies from the combination of the 
two businesses.

At  the  time  of  the  combination  ANHG  held  a  75% 
interest  in  Al  Madar  Medical  Centre  Group  (“MMC”) 
with  the  remaining  25%  held  by  the  founding  CEO. 
Prior  to  the  combination,  the  MMC  network  was 
being run as a stand-alone business. With effect from 
30  September  2016,  MCME  exercised  the  option  to 
acquire the remaining 25% of the MMC Group and the 
MMC  network  came  under  the  management  and  full 
control  of  MCME,  which  included  aligning  the  RCM 
function of MMC with the rest of the business and, inter 
alia, centralising activities relating to insurance, coding, 
billing,  submission  and  resubmission  and  engaging 
with  Daman  to  identify  corresponding  billing  details 
to  facilitate  the  payment  of  claims  and  allocation  
of receipts.

116

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

FINANCIAL REPORTING 

Key topics relating to financial reporting considered by the Committee during the year:

East platform 

of any tax matters and debt covenants

April 2016:
•  Financial review of each platform, including a review  
•  Review of accounting policies
•  Integration of the Al Noor business into the Middle  
•  Finance function review
•  Viability statement and stress testing 
•  Annual results planning 
May 2016:
•  Financial review of each platform, including a review  
•  Review of the significant accounting policies and 
•  Annual report and preliminary results announcement 
•  Dividend policy, and final dividend and dividend access 
•  Going concern and viability assessment and stress 
•  Fair balanced and understandable review 
•  Integration of the Al Noor business into the Middle East 
•  Tax matters for the Group

of debt covenants

judgements 

platform

scheme 

testing 

of debt covenants

November 2016:
•  Financial review of each platform, including a review  
•  Interim accounts and results announcement
•  Significant accounting policies and judgements 
•  Going concern and viability assessment 
•  Interim dividend 
•  Fair and balanced review 
•  Key tax considerations across the Group and new  

disclosure requirements

on accounting and auditing issues 

March 2017:
•  Review of pre year-end report by external auditors  
•  Review of accounting policies
•  Review of tax risks and adoption of tax strategy
•  Integration of Al Noor business into the Middle  
•  Financial function review
•  Appointment of tax advisors
•  Review of viability assessment and stress testing
•  Group tax strategy
•  Review of FRC Conduct Committee correspondence

East platform

The Committee maintained a strong focus on the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting and its financial 
performance. 

The  financial  results  for  the  Group  and  individual  operating  platforms  were  reviewed  regularly,  taking  into 
consideration  tax  matters  and  the  Company’s  debt  covenants.  The  Committee  considered  the  Company’s  tax 
disclosure  obligations,  including  the  country-by-country  tax  reporting,  and  recommended  the  adoption  of  
a Group tax strategy for approval by the Board. 

Following the Al Noor Combination, the Committee reviewed and recommended an amendment to the dividend 
policy to target a pay-out ratio of between 25% and 30% of underlying earnings. The amendment was included 
in the annual financial results published in May 2016. The Company also implemented a dividend access scheme 
for its South African shareholders as approved by the shareholders. 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND POLICIES 
As part of the process for monitoring the integrity of the financial information contained in the annual and interim 
reports,  the  Committee  reviewed  the  significant  judgements  and  significant  accounting  policies  adopted  by 
management and confirmed these were appropriate. The significant judgements identified by the management 
team, Committee and the external auditors are set out in the table below.

The Committee considered the following significant issues in relation to the Annual Report:

SIGNIFICANT  
ISSUES 
CONSIDERED

Finalisation of Al 
Noor purchase 
price allocation 
and aligning 
of financial 
reporting and 
operational 
systems

STEPS TAKEN BY THE COMMITTEE 

The Committee reviewed and considered the finalisation of the purchase price 
allocation. 

The initial fair values of the opening balances were reviewed with specific consideration 
of the fair value and subsequent adjustment of the trade receivables balance, as 
described in the impairment assessment below.

The Committee was satisfied with the disclosure of the purchase price allocation in the  
financial statements.

The Committee was satisfied with the progress management has made with the 
integration of the Al Noor business and noted plans for system integration and further 
alignment of commercial practices. 

 
SIGNIFICANT  
ISSUES 
CONSIDERED

Impairment 
assessments

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

117

STEPS TAKEN BY THE COMMITTEE 

The Committee reviewed the annual impairment test of the carrying amount of goodwill 
recognised in the Middle East and Swiss units, the carrying amount of the indefinite 
useful life Swiss trade name and management’s assessment of provision for impairment 
of trade receivables. 

The decision to rebrand the Al Noor operations resulted in accelerated amortisation 
of the Al Noor trade name. The Committee reviewed and assessed the impairment 
calculations of the Al Noor cash generating unit. 

The Committee considered the reasonableness of the cash flow projections which were 
based on the most recent budgets reviewed by the Board and assessed management’s 
expectations of revenue growth, operating costs and margins based on past experience 
and knowledge of the industry. The Committee also reviewed and challenged the key 
assumptions made in deriving these projections: growth rates, and expected changes  
in tariffs, admissions, patient mix and insurance mix. Long-term growth rates for periods 
not covered by the annual budgets were challenged to ensure they were appropriate  
in the countries relevant to the relevant operating platforms. 

The Committee was satisfied that the discount rate assumptions appropriately reflected 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks associated with 
the particular assets. The other key assumptions were all considered to be reasonable.

The Committee also considered the adequacy of the disclosures in respect of the key 
assumptions and sensitivities described above. Refer to note 4 to the consolidated 
financial statements for more details of these assumptions.

AR

The Committee was satisfied that management’s assessment of the impairment 
provision for trade receivables were thorough, adequate and reasonable. The 
Committee also reviewed and was satisfied with the year-end provision for and 
disclosure of impairment of receivables.

The external auditors explained the results of their own review of the estimate of value 
in use, including their challenge of management’s underlying cash flow projections,  
the long-term growth assumptions and discount rates.

Based on their challenge of the key assumptions and associated sensitivities, the 
Committee concurred with management’s conclusion that no impairments  
were required.

Notional 
purchase price 
allocation and 
impairment 
test of a 29.9% 
associate interest 
in Spire

The Committee reviewed and was satisfied with a notional purchase price allocation 
performed by an independent firm.

The Committee was presented with management’s considerations, reports from 
the independent firm, as well as feedback from the external auditors on procedures 
performed. 

The Committee was satisfied that a rigorous process was followed in identifying 
the significant intangible asset and that this asset was reasonably valued and the 
appropriate judgment was used.

Viability 
assessment

The Committee considered the carrying value of the Group’s investment in associate 
at 31 March 2017 to be appropriate and supportable by considering the results of 
impairment tests.

The Committee reviewed the stress testing of the Group’s principal risks and 
uncertainties undertaken by management to support the viability statement. It agreed 
with management’s recommendation to the lengthening of the initial three-year period 
to a five-year period. A five-year period is considered more appropriate for assessing 
the Group’s long-term viability, as it is consistent with the time frame adopted for the 
Group’s strategy and the assessment of its principal risks and uncertainties. Based on 
careful analysis of all relevant matters, the Committee concluded that the Board could 
reasonably expect the Group to continue to be in operation and meet its liabilities 
as they fall due, over the course of the five-year assessment period. The Committee 
recommended to the Board the viability statement set out on pages 35 to 36. 

AR

118

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

FAIR, BALANCED AND 
UNDERSTANDABLE REPORTING
The  Committee  considered  whether  the  assessments 
of the Company’s position and prospects, as published 
in the annual, interim and other price-sensitive reports, 
were  fair,  balanced  and  understandable  and  provided 
the  information  necessary  for  shareholders  to  assess 
the Group’s performance, business model and strategy. 
The  Committee  reviewed  the  interim  and  annual 
financial  statements  in  conjunction  with  the  narrative 
sections  of  the  reports  to  ensure  that  reported 
information  was  consistent,  and  that  appropriate 
weight  had  been  given  to  both  positive  and  negative 
aspects of business performance.

The  Committee  is  satisfied  that  one  of  the  key 
requirements  of  the  Group’s  financial  statements, 
for  the  Annual  Report  to  be  fair,  balanced  and 
understandable  has  been  met,  having  reviewed  a 
summary of the approach taken by management in the 
preparation of the report. Accordingly, the Committee 
recommended that the Board confirm that the Annual 
Report and Financial Statements, taken as a whole, is 
fair,  balanced  and  understandable,  and  provides  the 
information  necessary  for  shareholders  to  assess  the 
Company’s position and performance, business model 
and strategy.

FRC CONDUCT COMMITTEE
The  FRC  Conduct  Committee  is  authorised  and 
appointed  under  the  UK  Companies  Act  to  be 
responsible for reviewing and investigating the annual 
accounts,  directors’  reports  and  strategic  reports  of 
public  listed  companies  in  the  UK.  The  FRC  Conduct 
Committee  undertook  a  review  of  the  Company’s 
Annual  Report  and  Financial  Statements  for  the  year 
ended 31 March 2016. The outcome of their review was 
that  there  were  no  questions  or  queries  to  be  raised 
with  the  Company.  The  FRC’s  review  was  based  on 
the  report  itself  and  not  detailed  knowledge  of  the 
Company or transactions it had entered into.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND 
RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS

Key topics relating to internal controls and risk 
management considered by the Committee during  
the year:

application, and control change architecture and skills

April 2016:
•  ERM framework and plan 2016/17
•  ERM policy and risk appetite
•  Risk registers of the Group and mitigation steps
•  ICT strategic risks: cybersecurity, project delivery, 
•  Fraud and ethics report
May 2016:
•  Enterprise-wide risk management policy 
•  Review principal risks and uncertainties 
•  Fraud and ethics report
November 2016:
•  Review of principal risks and uncertainties, including 
the impact of Brexit 
•  Fraud and ethics report
•  Treasury policy and procedures 
March 2017:
•  Review of tax risks 
•  Detailed risk management review, including of 

framework and policies; top risks; fraud, ethics and 
compliance; and ERM plan for 2017/18

•  Review of viability assessment
•  Treasury policy and procedures 

The Board is ultimately responsible for overseeing the 
establishment  of  effective  internal  control  systems 
and  risk  management  processes,  which  facilitate  the 
delivery of and sustain the Group’s financial, operational 
and strategic objectives. The Committee maintained a 
strong focus on monitoring, evaluating and enhancing 
the internal control, risk management and internal audit 
processes for the Group and the integration of Al Noor 
into these processes.

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

119

is  achieved  by 

The  Board  believes  that  effective  risk  management 
underpins  a  successful  business  and  is  integral  to 
the  objective  of  adding  value  to  the  Group.  It  has 
integrated  and  effective  Enterprise-
adopted  an 
wide  Risk  Management  (“ERM”) 
framework,  at 
both  an  operational  and  strategic  level.  An  optimal  
risk/reward  profile 
identifying, 
quantifying and managing risks. This was incorporated 
into  the  daily  operational  management  processes, 
allowing management to focus on core activities. The 
Board has a clear process for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the principal risks, which includes current and 
emerging  risks,  faced  by  the  Group  for  the  reporting 
period. The Board annually reviews the process, which 
is  in  accordance  with  the  FRC’s  Guidance  on  Risk 
Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and 
Business Reporting and the requirements of the Code.

The  Group’s  ERM  policy  is  benchmarked  against  the 
International  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organisations 
of  the  Treadway  Commission  framework,  which 
defines the risk management objectives, methodology, 
process and the responsibilities of the Group’s various 
risk  management  role-players.  This  policy  provides 
structure  within  which  Directors  and  management 
can  operate  to  reinforce  a  strong  risk  management 
culture throughout the Group. It sets the tone and acts 
as  a  starting  point  for  all  other  components  of  risk 
management  and  control  in  providing  the  necessary 
discipline and structure.

The Committee reviewed the ERM framework, including 
the  Group’s  risk  appetite  and  assurance  model  and 
policies.  The  Committee  continued  to  progress  the 
internal  controls  and  risk 
standardisation  of  the 
framework across the Group and the integration of Al 
Noor into the Company’s ERM function, processes, risk 
registers and reporting.

Information  and  Communication  Technology  (“ICT”) 
risks  remain  a  key  area  of  focus  for  the  Committee. 
The top five risks identified were cybersecurity; project 
delivery,  application  control  and  change,  architecture 
and  scarcity  of  ICT  skills.  The  Committee  receives 
regular  presentations  from  senior  management  on 
these risks and their management and mitigation. 

The  Group’s  hedging  arrangements  in  respect  of 
currency movements were also examined, resulting in 
the  Committee  reviewing  and  updating  the  Group’s 
treasury policy. 

The  Committee  considered  the  applicability  and 
implications for the Group regarding the new General 
Data  Protection  Regulation  effective  May  2018  and  a 
proposed action plan.

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Further  details  on  the  Company’s  internal  controls 
system and risk monitoring can be found on pages 30 
to 36. 

Whilst  the  overall  conclusion  was  that  the  control 
environment  is  effective  in  ensuring  the  consistent 
achievement  of  key  control  objectives,  the  following 

aspects were specifically highlighted as focus areas by 
management:
•  the ongoing centralisation and standardisation of 
the internal controls in the Hirslanden platform; 
•  the Al Noor integration in the Middle East platform 

and conforming the legacy Al Noor control 
processes and operational practices to the  
Group’s standards; 

•  the implementation of SAP and supporting policies 

and procedures;

•  The implementation of a standardised financial 

consolidation and reporting tool; and
•  the enhancement of the assurance  

processes for the Group, including ICT  
governance and compliance.

The  Committee’s  work  on  the  Company’s  financial 
reporting,  internal  controls  and  risk  management 
systems  underpins  the  long-term  viability  statement 
published by the Company in this Annual Report and 
Financial Statements.

INTERNAL AUDIT

Key topics relating to internal audit considered by the 
Committee during the year:

April 2016:
•  Establishment of an in-house internal audit function
May 2016:
•  Internal audit report for 2015/16 financial year
November 2016:
•  Establishment of an in-house internal audit function 
•  Internal audit report and internal audit plan
March 2017:
•  Review of internal audit report, internal audit mandate 

and internal audit function

The  Company’s  internal  audit  function  is  carried  out 
by  Remgro  Internal  Audit,  who  regularly  attended 
Committee  meetings  and  reported  on  the  findings 
of  its  investigations.  It  was  responsible  for  measuring 
the  effectiveness  of  the  system  of  internal  financial 
control  throughout  the  Group.  The  establishment  of 
an  in-house  internal  audit  function  to  transition  away 
from the current outsourcing strategy will commence 
with the planned appointment of a Chief Internal Audit 
Executive during the 2017/18 financial year. 

The  Committee  reviewed  the  internal  audit  reports 
and  approved  the  internal  audit  plan  and  fees.  The 
Committee  reviewed  the  effectiveness  of  the  internal 
audit  function  by  having  discussions  with  Remgro 
Internal  Audit  and  key  members  of  management, 
and  is  satisfied  with  the  effectiveness  and  efficiency 
of  the  function,  reliability  of  financial  reporting,  and 
compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

Remgro 
Internal  Audit’s  Quality  Assurance  and 
Improvement Process was reviewed during the current 
year  by  a  Big  Four  Independent  Audit  Firm  and  
the  
found 
International  Standards  for  the  Professional  Practice  
of Internal Auditing. 

to  be  Generally  Compliant  with 

The  approved  internal  audit  plan,  which  comprises 
a  three-year  review  cycle  following  a  risk-based 
approach  and,  where  appropriate,  integration  with 
other  combined  assurance  providers,  focussed  on  
the 
the  
reporting period.

receivables  cycle  during 

revenue  and 

EXTERNAL AUDIT

Key topics relating to the external audit considered by  
the Committee during the year:

April 2016:
•  External audit plan reviewed and agreed
•  External auditors’ fees reviewed and agreed
•  Non-audit services expenditure for the 2016/17 
•  A separate meeting was held between the external 
auditors and independent Non-executive Directors 
without the management team 

financial year

external audit process 

May 2016:
•  External audit – Year-end audit report and opinion
•  Evaluation of the external auditors’ effectiveness of 
•  Review of auditor’s independence 
•  Non-audit services expenditure for the 2015/16 and 
•  Non-audit services thresholds for the 2016/17  
•  A separate meeting was held with the external 

2016/17 financial years

financial year

auditors and independent Non-executive Directors 
without the management team

November 2016:
•  External audit – Half-year review report 
•  External audit plan for the 2016/2017 financial year
•  Review of FRC Audit Quality Review 
•  A separate meeting was held with the external 

auditors and independent Non-executive Directors 
without the management team

services by external auditors

March 2017:
•  Review of policy on independence and non-audit 
•  Non-audit services expenditure for the 2016/17 
•  Non-audit services thresholds for the 2017/18  
•  Pre year-end update report from external auditors

financial year

financial year

PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  (“PwC”),  the  external 
auditors of Mediclinic International Limited prior to the 
Al  Noor  Combination,  was  appointed  as  the  external 
auditors of the Company in December 2015. The lead 
audit engagement partner from PwC is Giles Hannam 
who was also appointed in 2016.

INDEPENDENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS
The  Committee  is  committed  to  ensuring  that  the 
Group  receives  a  high-quality  and  effective  statutory 
audit. It is responsible for monitoring the performance, 
objectivity and independence of the external auditors 
and  undertakes  a  formal  evaluation  process  annually. 
This  process  involves  an  examination  of  four  main 
performance  criteria,  namely:  robustness  of  the  audit 
process,  quality  of  delivery,  quality  of  reporting,  and 
quality of people and service.

On  completion  of  the  audit,  all  members  of  the 
Committee,  as  well  as  key  members  of  the  senior 
management  team  and  those  who  regularly  provide 
input  to  the  Committee  or  have  regular  contact  with 
the  external  auditors,  were  required  to  complete  a 
questionnaire  seeking  their  views.  The  feedback  from 
the  questionnaire  was  collated  and  discussed  by 
the  Committee  at  the  meeting  held  on  22  May  2017, 
together with opportunities for improvement. Overall, 
responses  to  the  questionnaire  were  very  positive, 
indicating an effective external audit process.

The  external  auditors  receive  copies  of  all  relevant 
Committee  papers  and  minutes  of  all  Committee 
meetings.  As  part  of  the  Committee’s  assessment  of 
the  external  auditors,  separate  meetings  were  held 
between the Non-executive Directors and the external 
auditors, without management present.

The  independence  of  the  external  auditors  is  further 
enhanced by the FRC’s Ethical Standard for Auditors, 
requiring  PwC  to  inform  the  Company  about  any 
significant  facts  and  matters  that  may  reasonably 
be  thought  to  bear  on  its  independence  or  on  the 
objectivity of the lead partner and the audit team. The 
lead  partner  must  change  every  five  years  and  the 
quality review partner, who reviews the judgements of 
the audit team, rotates every seven years. The auditor’s 
independence is further safeguarded by the non-audit 
services policy discussed below. 

EXTERNAL AUDIT PLAN
During the year, the Committee reviewed and approved 
the 2016/17 external audit plan, including the proposed 
materiality  threshold,  the  scope  of  the  audit,  the 
significant audit risks and fees. 

NON-AUDIT SERVICES
The  Committee  believes  that  it  may  be  appropriate 
in  certain  circumstances  for  the  Company  to  engage 
its  external  auditors  to  provide  non-audit  services.  
A policy governing the provision of such services is in 
place  to  ensure  the  independence  and  objectivity  of 
the  external  auditors  is  not  compromised.  During  the 
year,  the  Committee  considered  the  implementation 
of the European Union Audit Directive and Regulation 
in  conjunction  with  the  FRC’s  Ethical  Standard  for 
Auditors, effective for the Company from 1 April 2017, 
in respect of prohibitions, as well as the new provisions 
set  out  in  the  2016  version  of  the  Code  in  relation  to 
non-audit services, and updated the Group’s non-audit 
services policy accordingly.

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

121

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COMPETITION AND MARKETS 
AUTHORITY STATUTORY AUDIT 
SERVICES ORDER 2014 (“CMA ORDER”) 
As disclosed on page 121, the Company complied with 
the  mandatory  audit  processes  and  the  Committee 
complied  with  the  responsibility  provisions  set  out 
in  terms  of  the  CMA  Order  relating  to  (a)  putting 
the  audit  services  engagement  on  tender  every  
10 years; and (b) strengthening the accountability of the 
external auditors to the Committee, including requiring 
that only the Committee is permitted to agree to the 
external auditors’ fees and scope of services; influence 
the  appointment  of  the  audit  engagement  partner; 
make  recommendations  regarding  the  appointment 
of  auditors;  and  authorise  the  auditors  to  carry  out  
non-audit services. 

FRC AUDIT QUALITY REVIEW
The  Committee  considered  the  findings  from  the 
review, undertaken by the FRC’s Audit Quality Review 
(“AQR”) team, of PwC‘s audit of the Group’s financial 
statements  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2016,  which 
had  been  selected  by  the  AQR  team  as  part  of  their 
2016  annual  inspection  of  audit  firms.  The  focus  of 
the review was to identify areas where improvements 
were  required,  rather  than  highlighting  areas  where 
work  was  performed  at  or  above  the  expected  level. 
The Committee considered the findings and discussed 
these  with  PwC.  The  Committee  noted  that  no 
significant  areas  for  improvement  were  identified  by 
the FRC and that it is satisfied that there is nothing in 
the FRC findings which might have a bearing on PwC’s 
re-appointment.

As  a  consequence,  from  1  April  2017,  the  Company  is 
no  longer  making  use  of  PwC’s  tax  services.  Deloitte 
LLP has been appointed to provide tax advice for the 
Company  and  its  Southern  African  operations,  and 
KPMG  has  been  appointed  to  provide  tax  advice  for 
the Company’s Swiss and Middle Eastern operations.

The  Committee  determines 
the  pre-approved 
monetary  thresholds  for  each  category  of  non-audit 
services  at  the  beginning  of  each  financial  year. 
The  nature  of  the  non-audit  services,  the  individual 
fee  levels  of  each  category  and  the  aggregate  fee 
amount  relative  to  the  external  audit  fee  are  taken 
into  account  in  determining  these  thresholds.  From  
1  April  2017,  any  individual  assignment  with  a  fee 
exceeding  £50  000  requires  the  Committee’s  prior 
approval.

To  help  maintain 
independence  and  objectivity, 
the  policy  requires  that  an  independent  partner  is 
appointed to lead any non-audit services.

FEES
Refer  to  note  22  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements on page 198 for detail on the remuneration 
of  the  auditor  for  both  audit  and  non-audit  services 
undertaken during the year.

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RE-APPOINTMENT 
The  Committee  concluded  that  the  services  provided 
by  the  external  auditors  were  high  quality  and  that 
the  external  audit  process  in  respect  of  the  2017 
Financial Statements was effective and that the auditor 
remains  objective  and  independent.  Accordingly,  it 
recommended  to  the  Board  that  the  re-appointment 
of PwC as the Company’s external auditors is proposed 
to shareholders at the 2017 AGM.

AUDIT TENDER
As a result of the UK’s implementation of the European 
Union’s  mandatory  firm  rotation  requirements,  and  in 
accordance  with  the  Committee’s  terms  of  reference, 
the  Company  is  required  to  ensure  that  the  external 
auditors’  contract  is  put  out  to  tender  at  least  every  
10 years, with the proviso that no single firm may serve as 
the Company’s external auditors for a period exceeding  
20  years.  PwC  was  appointed  as  the  Company’s 
auditors  in  December  2015.  It  is  intended  that  the 
external audit will be put out to tender no later than for 
the  financial  year  commencing  1  April  2023,  which  is  
10 years after the Company’s initial listing.

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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

ETHICAL CONDUCT, GOVERNANCE 
AND COMPLIANCE

Key topics relating to governance and compliance 
considered by the Committee during the year:

for each platform

April 2016:
•  Regulatory developments and updates as relevant  
•  European Union Audit Directive and Regulation and 
•  Annual review of policies and procedures: terms of 
reference of the Committee, legal and compliance 
policy and internal audit mandate 

review of the non-audit services policy 

May 2016:
•  Regulatory developments and updates as relevant  
•  European Union Audit Directive and Regulation and 

for each platform

review of the non-audit services policy 

for each platform

non-audit services policy

November 2016:
•  Regulatory developments and updates as relevant  
•  Review of FRC’s Ethical Standard for Auditors and 
•  Review of Committee’s terms of reference 
March 2017:
•  Annual review of policies and procedures: terms of 
reference of the Committee; legal and compliance 
policy; and internal audit mandate; provision of  
Non-audit Services by the external auditors; Fraud  
Risk Management Policy

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The Group remains focussed on conducting its business 
in an honest, fair and ethical manner, a principle which 
is  actively  endorsed  by  the  Board  and  management. 
The  Committee  oversees  the  Group’s  processes  for 
handling  the  Group’s  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and 
Ethics  and  Anti-bribery  Policy,  which  are  available  in 
the  governance  section  of  the  Company’s  website  at 
www.mediclinic.com.  This  includes  receiving  regular 
feedback  from  the  Group  General  Manager:  Risk 
Management  regarding  incidents  reported  on  the 
ethics lines and the effectiveness of the lines. The Board 
established  a  Clinical  Performance  and  Sustainability 
Committee, details of which can be found on page 75 
of the Corporate Governance Statement.

The  Group’s  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics 
provides a framework for directors and employees within 
the  Group  of  the  standards  of  business  conduct  and 
ethics that is required of them, and which applies to all 
business  divisions  within  the  Group.  It  serves  to  ensure 
that  the  highest  ethical  standards  are  maintained  in  all 
dealings with the Group’s stakeholders. It is available to 
all  staff  and  communicated  to  new  employees  during 
their  induction.  This  code  contains  the  Group’s  whistle-
blowing  arrangements,  which  sets  out  the  details  of 
the  Group’s  ethics  lines.  Any  employee  or  external 
stakeholder  can  report  any  wrongdoing  in  the  Group 
confidentially  and  anonymously  via  the  ethics  lines.  All 
complaints are investigated in accordance with the code.

The  Group  adopts  a  zero-tolerance  policy  regarding 
unethical  business  conduct,  in  particular  fraud  and 
corruption, which is addressed in the Code of Business 
Conduct and Ethics. The Anti-bribery Policy supports its 
commitment  to  ensure  compliance  with  all  anti-bribery 
and  anti-corruption  laws  and  regulations,  and  strictly 

governs the receipt of any invitations, gifts or donations 
from suppliers or any other party. Directors and employees 
throughout the Group are compelled to declare these to 
management for approval. Staff members involved in the 
contracting, negotiating and purchasing of equipment or 
consumables  are  also  bound  to  strict  ethical  principles, 
ensuring  that  an  impeccable  standard  of  integrity  is 
maintained in the Group’s business relationships. During 
the  year,  the  Committee  also  adopted  a  Fraud  Risk 
Management Policy, which facilitates the development of 
controls which will assist in the prevention of fraud and 
corruption.

The  Committee  reviewed  reports  of  all  material  
cases  reported  to  the  Group’s  whistle-blowing  line 
resulting investigations. 

The  Committee  is  responsible  for  ensuring  Group-
wide  standards  are  set  for  achieving  compliance 
with  relevant  laws  and  regulations.  During  the  year, 
a  compliance  consultant  was  appointed  to  assist  the 
Group  with  implementing  a  standardised  risk-based 
compliance  monitoring  process  across  all  business 
units in the Group.

COMMITTEE EVALUATION 

The Committee’s performance was internally evaluated 
by  the  Board,  following  discussion  of  the  results  of 
a  self-evaluation  questionnaire  completed  by  the 
Committee  members.  The  questionnaire  focussed 
on  the  Committee’s  role,  composition  and  expertise 
and  the  effectiveness  of  Committee  meetings.  The 
outcomes of the survey were subsequently considered 
and  reviewed  by  the  Committee  and  certain  actions 
were  agreed  for  implementation,  aimed  at  enhancing 
the overall effectiveness of the Committee. The results 
of  the  Committee’s  performance  evaluation  were 
reported  to  the  Board  at  the  March  2017  meeting. 
Progress on the agreed actions and their outcomes will 
be monitored by the Committee and incorporated into 
the following performance evaluation. 

PRIORITIES FOR THE COMMITTEE 
IN 2017/18
•  Review various ICT and other significant projects 

across the Group.

•  Review of ongoing integration of Al Noor’s 

operations and systems.

•  Implementation of new IFRS standards.
•  Monitoring of Group tax compliance matters.
•  Review internal audit work plan for 2017/18, which 
will focus on the procurement and payment cycle 
plus platform projects and the platform internal 
financial control process.

•  Monitor progress against the 2018 ERM plan.
•  Appointment of Chief Internal Audit Executive.
Signed on behalf of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Desmond Smith
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee 
23 May 2017

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

123

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

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The  Directors  present  this  report,  together  with  the 
audited  financial  statements  of  the  Group  and  the 
Company for the year ended 31 March 2017. This report, 
together  with  the  following  disclosures  incorporated 
by  way  of  reference,  constitute  the  Directors’  Report, 
as  contemplated  in  the  UK  Companies  Act,  and  was 
approved by the Disclosure Committee on 23 May 2017, 
duly authorised by the Board: 
•   Corporate Governance Statement – refer to  

pages 73 to 84;

•   strategy and relevant future developments – refer 

to Our Strategy, Progress and Aims included in the 
Strategic Report on pages 24 to 29;

•   financial risk management objectives and policies – 
refer to the report on Risk Management, Principal 
Risks and Uncertainties included in the Strategic 
Report on pages 30 to 36 and note 3 to the 
financial statements on pages 161 to 164;
•   research and development activities – refer to 
various activities reported on in the Strategic 
Report, such as the standardised patient 
experience index on pages 24 to 25, the 
standardised employee engagement initiatives on 
pages 28 to 29, and research by health policy units, 
referred to on page 31;

•   greenhouse gas emissions – refer to the 

Sustainable Development Highlights included in 
the Strategic Report on pages 64 to 65; and the 
Sustainable Development Report, available on the 
Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com; and
•  corporate social responsibility and corporate social 
investment – refer to the Sustainable Development 
Highlights included in the Strategic Report on  
pages 66 to 68; and the Sustainable Development 
Report, available on the Company’s website at 
www.mediclinic.com.

DIRECTORS

NAMES AND BIOGRAPHIES

The  names  of  all  the  Directors  who  served  during 
the  reporting  period  are  included  in  the  Corporate 
Governance Statement on page 76. Biographies of all 
the current Directors of the Company are provided on 
pages 70 to 71.

APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF 
DIRECTORS

The rules relating to the appointment and removal of 
the Directors are contained in the Company’s Articles 
of Association.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

In accordance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, all members of the Board wishing to 

continue their appointments are subject to re-election 
by the shareholders at the Company’s annual general 
meeting  (“AGM”).  Accordingly,  all  the  Directors,  as 
provided on pages 70 to 71, excluding Jurgens Myburgh, 
will retire and seek re-election at the Company’s AGM 
to be held on 25 July 2017.

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In terms of the Company’s Articles of Association, any 
Director appointed as such by the Board of Directors 
shall  retire  at  the  following  AGM  and  shall  be  eligible 
for  election.  Accordingly,  Jurgens  Myburgh,  who  was 
appointed by the Board 1 August 2016, will also retire 
and seek election by the shareholders at the Company’s 
AGM to be held on 25 July 2017.

Remgro  Limited,  through  wholly-owned  subsidiaries, 
(“Remgro”  or  the  “Remgro  Group”,  as  the  context 
may  indicate)  holds  44.56%  of  the  issued  ordinary 
shares  of  the  Company  and  is  therefore  regarded 
as  a  controlling  shareholder  of  the  Company,  for 
the  purposes  of  the  Listing  Rules.  The  Listing  Rules 
require  that  Independent  Non-executive  Directors  of 
a  company  with  a  controlling  shareholder  must  be 
elected  by  a  majority  of  votes  cast  by  independent 
shareholders,  in  addition  to  a  majority  of  votes  cast 
by  all  shareholders  in  such  company.  The  resolutions 
proposed  at  the  Company’s  AGM  to  be  held  on  
25  July  2017  for  the  election  of  the  Independent  
Non-executive Directors of the Company will therefore 
be taken on a poll and the votes cast by independent 
shareholders  and  all  shareholders  will  be  calculated 
separately.  Such  resolutions  will  be  passed  only  if  a 
majority of votes cast by independent shareholders are 
in favour thereof, in addition to a majority of votes cast 
by all shareholders being in favour thereof. 

POWERS OF DIRECTORS

The  general  powers  of  the  Directors  are  contained 
within  relevant  UK  legislation  and  the  Company’s 
Articles  of  Association.  The  Directors  are  entitled  to 
exercise  all  powers  of  the  Company,  subject  to  any 
limitations  imposed  by  the  Articles  of  Association  or 
applicable legislation. 

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS 

The Directors’ shareholding and share interests in the 
issued  shares  of  the  Company  are  provided  in  the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 103. 

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INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS 

The  Company  has  entered  into  a  deed  of  indemnity 
with each Director who served during the year under 
identical  terms.  The  deeds  indemnify  the  Directors 
in  accordance  with  the  applicable  laws  of  England 
against  liability  incurred  as  a  Director  or  employee  of 
the  Company  or  of  associated  entities  in  the  Group. 
In addition, the Company has put into place directors’ 
and officers’ indemnity insurance. 

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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

COMPENSATION FOR LOSS OF 
OFFICE 

There are no agreements in place with any Director or 
employee  that  provide  for  compensation  for  loss  of 
office or employment resulting from a takeover, except 
that provisions of the Company’s share plans may cause 
options  and  awards  granted  under  such  plans  to  vest 
on a takeover. Further information on Directors’ service 
contracts and their notice periods can be found in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 94. 

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ACQUISITION OF OWN SHARES 

At the Company’s AGM on 20 July 2016, it was resolved 
that  the  Company  was  authorised  to  purchase  the  
10  subscriber  shares  of  10  pence  per  share  in  the 
capital of the Company from Astro II SPV at a price of 
10 pence per share, which repurchase was concluded in  
April 2017.

The  Company  has  no  intention  to  complete  a  market 
purchase  of  its  ordinary  shares  and  will  not  seek  this 
authority at the Company’s next AGM on 25 July 2017.

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

The  Company’s  Articles  of  Association  may  be 
amended  by  way  of  a  special  resolution  of  the 
members.  At  the  AGM  held  on  20  July  2016, 
shareholders  approved  certain  amendments  to  the 
Company’s Articles of Association by way of a special 
resolution, available in the Governance section of the 
Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com. 

The  Board  proposes  further  amendments  to  the 
Company’s Articles of Association, details of which are 
included in the notice of the annual general meeting to 
be held on 25 July 2017, in order to update the dividend 
payment  provisions  to  reflect  guidance  published 
by  the  ICSA  Registrars’  Group  in  March  2014.  These 
amendments  give  the  Company  greater  flexibility  to 
use  the  most  relevant  payment  mechanisms  for  the 
distribution of dividends, including electronic methods.

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Details on all related-party transactions are contained 
in note 34 of the consolidated financial statements on 
page 209.

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SHARE CAPITAL AND 
SHAREHOLDERS

STRUCTURE

The  Company’s  ordinary  issued  share  capital  as  at  
31  March  2017  was  737  243  810  ordinary  shares  of 
£0.10 each which have a primary listing on the LSE and 
secondary listings on the JSE in South Africa and the 
NSX  in  Namibia.  The  ordinary  share  class  represents 
100%  of  the  Company’s  total  issued  share  capital. 
Further  information  on  the  Company’s  issued  share 
capital  can  be  found  in  note  13  to  the  consolidated 
financial statements on pages 180 to 181. 

There  are  no  known  arrangements  under  which 
financial  rights  are  held  by  a  person  other  than  the 
holder of the shares. 

through 

Shares  acquired 
the  Company’s  share 
schemes and plans rank equally with the other shares 
in issue and have no special rights. Further details on 
the  Company’s  employee  share  scheme  are  included 
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report from page 85.

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RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFER 
OF COMPANY SHARES 

In  2005,  Mediclinic 
International  (RF)  Proprietary  
Limited  (previously  Mediclinic  International  Limited) 
(“Mediclinic  SA”) 
implemented  a  black  ownership 
initiative  with  MP1  Investment  Holdings  Proprietary 
Limited  (previously  Circle  Capital  Ventures  Proprietary 
Limited) 
(“MP1”)  and  Phodiso  Holdings  Limited 
(“Phodiso”) (collectively, the “Strategic Black Partners”).

In  September  2016,  the  Company  entered 
into 
arrangements  with  the  Strategic  Black  Partners  to 
formalise  the  basis  on  which  the  Strategic  Black 
Partners  hold  their  shares  in  the  Company.  These 
are  in  the  same  form  in  all  material  aspects  as  the 
arrangements in existence prior to the Combination of 
Mediclinic  SA  with  Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc.  The 
Company now receives the direct benefit of the lock-in 
arrangements described below.

The  arrangements  that  originally  applied  to  the 
holdings of the Strategic Black Partners in relation to 
their shares in Mediclinic SA before completion of the 
Combination  continue  to  apply  to  their  holdings  of 
shares in the Company such that:
•  in the case of the 24 582 960 shares held by 

Phodiso through its subsidiary Mpilo Investment 
Holdings 2 (RF) Proprietary Limited (“Mpilo 2”), 
representing approximately 3.33% of the Company’s 
issued share capital, disposals of such shares are 
restricted until 31 December 2018; and

•  in the case of the 10 958 206 shares held by 

MP1 through its subsidiary Mpilo 1 Newco (RF) 
Proprietary Limited (“Mpilo 1”), representing 
approximately 1.49% of the Company’s issued share 
capital, disposals of such shares are restricted until 
31 December 2019.

The  arrangements  also  contain  pre-emptive  rights  in 
favour of the Company which provide that, if any of the 
shares in the Company held by Mpilo 1 or Mpilo 2 are 
to be offered for sale, the Company will be offered the 
opportunity  to  purchase  such  shares  or  to  nominate 
another  person  to  purchase  such  shares,  in  each 
case, at a discounted price of, in relation to the Mpilo 
1  shares,  approximately  5%  to  the  then  market  value 
and,  in  relation  to  the  Mpilo  2  shares,  approximately 
10%.  Any  exercise  of  a  right  to  purchase  such  shares 
by  the  Company  itself  would  require  the  approval  of 
its shareholders.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

125

RESTRICTIONS ON VOTING RIGHTS 

The  Company’s  Articles  of  Association  provide  that,  unless  the  Directors  determine  otherwise,  a  shareholder 
shall not be entitled to vote, either personally or by proxy, at any general meeting or to exercise any other right 
conferred by membership if:
•  any call or other sum payable to the Company in respect of that share remains unpaid; or
•  such shareholder, having been duly served with a notice to provide the Company with information under 
section 793 of the UK Companies Act, has failed to do so within 14 days of such notice, for so long as the 
default continues.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

As  at  year  end  and  as  at  23  May  2017,  being  the  Last  Practicable  Date,  the  shareholders  included  in  Figure  1 
notified the Company, in accordance with Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, of their interest of 3% or 
more in the Company’s issued share capital.

FIGURE 1: SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

ORDINARY
SHARES

% VOTING
RATES

DATE  
NOTIFIED

Remgro Limited (through wholly-owned subsidiaries)

328 497 888

44.56%

17/02/2016

Public Investment Corporation SOC Limited

as at year end

as at 23 May 2017

Coronation Asset Management Proprietary Limited

as at year end

as at 23 May 2017

58 705 799

59 447 726

29 778 806

37 677 189

Mpilo Investment Holdings 2 (RF) Proprietary Limited

24 582 960

7.96%

8.06%

4.03%

5.11%

3.33%

02/12/2016

12/05/2017

02/03/2017

11/04/2017

13/05/2016

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDER AND 
RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT 

In  accordance  with  Listing  Rule  9.8.4(14),  the 
Company  has  set  out  below  a  statement  describing 
the  relationship  agreement  entered  into  between  the 
Company  and  its  principal  shareholder,  Remgro,  on 
14  October  2015  (the  “Relationship  Agreement”), 
which  came  into  effect  on  15  February  2016.  As  at  
23  May  2017,  the  Remgro  Group  held  44.56%  of  the 
issued ordinary share capital of the Company.

Under the Relationship Agreement, Remgro undertakes 
to comply with the following independence provisions, 
as required under the Listing Rules: 
•  transactions and arrangements between the 
Company and Remgro (and/or its associates) 
are, and will be, at arm’s length and on normal 
commercial terms; 

•  neither Remgro nor any of its associates will take 

any action that would have the effect of preventing 
the Company from complying with its obligations 
under the Listing Rules; and

•  neither Remgro nor any of its associates will  

propose, or procure the proposal of, a shareholder 
resolution that is intended or appears to be  
intended to circumvent the proper application  
of the Listing Rules.

the  above 
The  Company  has  complied  with 
independence  provisions  and,  in  so  far  as  it  is  aware, 
Remgro complied with the independence provisions and 
the procurement obligation set out in the Relationship 
Agreement  from  the  effective  date  of  the  agreement. 
In  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  Relationship 
Agreement, for every 10% of the issued ordinary share 
capital of the Company (or an interest which carries 10% 
or more of the aggregate voting rights in the Company 
from time to time) held, Remgro is entitled to appoint 
one  Director  to  the  Board,  up  to  a  maximum  of  three 
Directors,  provided  that  the  right  to  appoint  a  third 
Director  is  subject  to  the  requirement  that  the  Board 
will, following such appointment, comprise a majority of 
Independent Non-executive Directors.

If Remgro’s shareholding reduces to below 10% of the 
Company’s share capital (or 10% of the aggregate voting 
rights  in  the  Company),  the  rights  and  obligations  of 
Remgro  in  terms  of  the  Relationship  Agreement  shall 
terminate. The ordinary shares owned by Remgro rank 
pari passu with the other ordinary shares in all respects.

126

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS

The following agreements are considered significant in 
terms of their potential impact on the business of the 
Group as a whole, and that could alter or terminate on 
the change of control of the Company: 
•  The Relationship Agreement entered into between 

the Company and its principal shareholder, 
Remgro, as referred to earlier. This agreement does 
not include a change of control provision, but does 
terminate if (i) the Company’s ordinary shares 
cease to be listed and admitted to trading on the 
LSE’s main market for listed securities; or (ii) the 
Remgro Group, taken together, ceases to hold the 
minimum interest of 10% in the Company. 

•  The various facilities and finance agreements of 

the Group are regarded as significant and contain 
change of control provisions. On 28 June 2016, 
the Company announced the completion of the 
refinancing. The new facilities are:
–  South African senior bank loan totalling  

ZAR1.2bn at an interest rate of JIBAR +1.69% with 
a three-year term expiring in June 2019;
–  South African unsecured preference share 

funding totalling ZAR1.5bn at a rate of 73% of 
the prime overdraft interest rate, with a four-year 
term expiring in June 2020; and

–  United Arab Emirates bank loans of  

US$54.5m and US$100.0m at an interest rate  
of LIBOR +2.75% with respective four-year  
and five-year amortising terms, expiring in  
June 2020 and May 2021, respectively.

POLITICAL PAYMENTS 

Political  donations  are  prohibited  in  terms  of  the 
Company’s  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics 
and  Anti-bribery  Policy,  unless  pre-approved  by  the 
Executive  Committee  of  the  operating  platform  and 
reported  to  the  Company’s  Executive  Committee.  
It is therefore not the policy of the Company to make 
donations to the European Union or any other political 
organisations,  or  to  incur  other  political  expenditure 
and  the  Directors  have  no  intention  of  changing  this 
policy.  However,  as  a  result  of  broad  definitions  used 
in  the  UK  Companies  Act,  normal  business  activities 
of  the  Company,  which  might  not  be  considered 
political donations or expenditure in the normal sense, 
may  possibly  be  construed  as  political  expenditure 
or  as  a  donation  to  a  political  party  or  other  political 
organisation  and  fall  within  the  restrictions  of  the  UK 
Companies  Act.  Sponsorship,  subscriptions,  payment 
of expenses, paid leave for employees fulfilling public 
duties,  and  support  for  bodies  representing  the 
business  community  in  policy  review  or  reform,  may 
fall  within  the  scope  of  these  matters.  The  Board 
has  therefore  decided  to  propose  a  resolution,  as  in 
the  previous  year  and  in  line  with  best  practice,  to 
authorise the Company to make political payments up 
to an aggregate amount of £100 000 for shareholder 
consideration  at  the  Company’s  AGM  to  be  held  on  
25 July 2017.

During the year, the Company, including its subsidiaries, 
made  no  political  payments  as  contemplated  in  the 
UK  Companies  Act.  Hirslanden  has,  however,  made 
payments to a number of political parties, institutions 
and  associations 
totalled  
CHF8 000 (2016: CHF36 000). Contributing to political 
campaigns  through  third-party  contributions  is  an 
official and standard practice in Switzerland.

in  Switzerland  which 

EMPLOYEES

The  Group’s  employees  are  a  valuable  asset.  The 
employees’  trust  and  respect  are  vital  to  Mediclinic’s 
success. Listening and responding to employee needs 
through effective communication and sound relations 
are  important  components  in  being  regarded  as  an 
employer  of  choice  among  existing  and  prospective 
employees,  and  vital  to  maintain  an  engaged,  loyal 
workforce.  Employee  engagement 
is  conducted 
through  various  methods,  including  leadership  video 
conferences, 
intranet,  periodic  employee  surveys, 
performance  reviews,  staff  magazines,  and  staff 
wellness and recognition programmes. Further details 
on  the  Group’s  employee  engagement  is  included  in 
the Sustainable Development Report, available on the 
Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com. 

Continuous training and development of the Group’s 
employees  across  all  three  operating  platforms 
ensures  retention  of  staff,  particularly 
in  areas 
where the skills shortage is most critical, and proper 
succession  planning.  Further  details  on  the  Group’s 
training  initiatives  can  be  found  in  the  Sustainable 
Development  Highlights  on  page  61  and  the 
Sustainable  Development  Report,  available  on  the 
Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com. 

The  distribution  of  the  Group’s  employees  per 
operating  platform  is  included  on  page  6,  with  only 
one  employee  (Head  of  Investor  Relations)  based  in 
the  UK.  A  breakdown  by  gender,  age  and,  in  respect 
of  Southern  Africa  only,  race  in  Board  and  senior 
management  roles  as  at  year  end  is  illustrated  in  
Figure  2.  The  proportion  of  female  employees  in  the 
Group at year end is illustrated in Figure 3.

The  Group  values  diversity  and  provides  equal 
opportunities  for  its  workplace  and  does  not  tolerate 
any  form  of  unfair  discrimination,  such  as  access  to 
employment, career development, training or working 
conditions, based on gender, religion, nationality, race, 
language, HIV/AIDS status, sexual orientation or other 
form  of  differentiation.  Adequate  procedures  are  in 
place to enable disabled applicants to receive training 
to  perform  safely  and  effectively  and  to  provide 
development opportunities to ensure they reach their 
full  potential.  Where  an  individual  becomes  disabled 
during the course of employment, Mediclinic will seek 
to provide, wherever possible, continued employment 
on  normal  terms  and  conditions.  Adjustments  will 
be  made  to  the  environment  and  duties  or  suitable 
new  roles  within  the  Company  will  be  secured  with 
additional training where necessary.

SDR

AR

SDR

AR

 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

127

FIGURE 2: RACE, GENDER AND AGE REPRESENTATION ON GOVERNANCE BODIES

RACE 
(ONLY IN RESPECT OF  
SOUTH AFRICA)

GENDER

AGE (YEARS)

Total 
number  
of
members

Black

White

Male

Female

30 – 50

> 50

Number

%

Number

%

Number

%

Number

%

Number

%

Number

%

Mediclinic 
International 
Board 

Mediclinic 
International 
Executive 
Committee

Mediclinic 
Southern Africa 
Executive 
Committee

Hirslanden 
Executive 
Committee

Mediclinic Middle 
East Executive 
Committee

10

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

90

90%

1

10%

2

20%

8

80%

8

9

4

9

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

8

100%

–

–

2

25%

6

75%

2

22%

7

78%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

8

4

7

89%

100%

78%

1

–

2

11%

–

22%

4

2

5

44%

50%

56%

5

2

4

56%

50%

44%

FIGURE 3: WORKFORCE COMPOSITION BY GENDER

Southern Africa – Mediclinic Southern Africa and Mediclinic International

2017

2016

Number

%

Number

%

Female

Male

Switzerland – Hirslanden 

Female

Male

UAE – MCME1

Female

Male

13 555

3 293

7 179

2 223

3 593

2 782

80.45%

19.55%

76.37%

23.63%

56.36%

43.64%

13 654

3 178

7 011

2 109

1 504

1 003

81.12%

18.88%

76.88%

23.12%

59.99%

40.01%

Note
1 

 The prior year gender split of Mediclinic Middle East excludes Al Noor employees.

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS

Each of the Directors confirms that: 
•  to the best of their knowledge and belief, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s 

auditors are unaware; and 

•  they have taken all reasonable steps to ascertain any relevant audit information and to establish that the 

Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

128

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

EVENTS AFTER THE  
REPORTING PERIOD 

Since year end, no material events have taken place. 

GOING-CONCERN STATUS

Having considered the principal risks and the viability 
assessment,  the  Directors  consider  it  appropriate 
to  adopt  the  going-concern  basis  of  accounting  in 
preparing  the  financial  statements,  further  details  of 
which  are  included  in  the  Audit  and  Risk  Committee 
Report on pages 116 to 117, and the Viability Assessment 
on pages 35 to 36.

AR

DIVIDENDS

The Board proposes a final dividend of 4.70 pence per 
ordinary  share  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2017  for 
approval by the Company’s shareholders at the AGM to 
be held on Tuesday, 25 July 2017. The salient dates for 
the dividend and the tax treatment of the dividend for 
shareholders on the South African register are available 
on the Company’s website. 

The  dividend  policy  is  dealt  with  in  the  Financial 
Review on page 18.

AR

Figure 4 provides a summary of the dividends declared 
by  the  Company  to  its  holders  of  ordinary  shares 
during the reporting period.

FIGURE 4: DIVIDEND HISTORY (PENCE1)

Interim dividend
Special dividend
Final dividend
Total dividend

2017

3.20
–
4.70
7.90

2016

4.10
328.00
5.24
337.34

1 

 Refer  to  the  relevant  dividend  announcement,  available  on 
the Company’s website, for the ZAR cash equivalent payable 
to shareholders on the Company’s South African register.

OVERSEAS BRANCHES

The Company, having secondary listings on the JSE in 
South Africa and the NSX in Namibia, has established 
an overseas branch in South Africa.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE LISTING 
RULES 

Information required to be disclosed in terms of Listing 
Rule 9.8.4R, as applicable, is referenced below:
•  details of any long-term incentive schemes –  

refer to the Directors’ Remuneration Report on  
pages 85 to 107;

AR

AR

AR

AR

•  Board statement in respect of relationship 

agreement with the controlling shareholder –  
refer to the Directors’ Report on page 125;

•  any contract of significance between the Company 

(or any of its subsidiaries) and a controlling 
shareholder – none, other than the Relationship 
Agreement referred to on page 125; and
•  any contract for the provision of services to 
the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) by a 
controlling shareholder – the Remgro Group 
provides the following services to the Company, as 
disclosed in note 34 of the consolidated financial 
statements on page 209:
–   managerial services, which include services 
by Remgro executive management on, inter 
alia, Mediclinic’s strategic issues; access to 
facilities operated by Remgro; treasury services, 
including foreign exchange advice; and 
trademark administration services;

–   financial, consulting and related administration 
services to certain offshore subsidiaries of the 
Company; and

–   internal audit services are outsourced to 

Remgro Internal Audit. As previously reported 
and referred to in the Audit and Risk Committee 
Report, the establishment of an in-house 
internal audit function to transition away 
from the outsourced services provided by 
Remgro Internal Audit commenced, with the 
appointment of a Chief Internal Audit Executive, 
which is foreseen to be completed by the end of 
the 2017/18 financial year.

The  following  information  required  to  be  disclosed  in 
terms of Listing Rule 9.8.4R is not applicable:
•  the amount of interest capitalised during the period 
under review and details of any related tax relief;

•  information in relation to the publication of 

unaudited financial information;

•  any arrangements under which a Director has 

waived emoluments, or agreed to waive any future 
emoluments, from the Company;

•  any non-pre-emptive issues of equity for cash  
by the Company or by any unlisted major  
subsidiary undertaking;

•  parent participation in a placing by a listed 

subsidiary;

•  any contract of significance in which a Director is 

or was materially interested; and

•  any waiver of dividends by a shareholder.
For and on behalf of the Board.

Dr Edwin Hertzog
Non-executive Chairman
23 May 2017

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

129

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ 
RESPONSIBILITIES 

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the 
Annual  Report,  including  the  financial  statements,  in 
accordance with applicable law and regulation.

The  UK  Companies  Act  requires  the  Directors  to 
prepare  financial  statements  for  each  financial  year. 
The  Directors  prepared  the  Group  and  Company 
financial  statements  in  accordance  with  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”),  as  adopted 
by  the  European  Union.  The  Directors  should  only 
approve  the  financial  statements  if  they  are  satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of  the  Group  and  Company  and  of  the  profit  or  loss 
of  the  Group  and  Company  for  the  reporting  period. 
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are 
required to:
•  select suitable accounting policies and apply them 

consistently;

•  state whether applicable IFRS have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that 

are reasonable and prudent; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going-
concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to  
presume that the Group and Company will  
continue in business.

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  adequate 
accounting  records  that  are  sufficient  to  show  and 
explain  the  Group’s  and  Company’s  transactions  and 
disclose  with  reasonable  accuracy,  at  any  time,  the 
financial  position  of  the  Group  and  Company  and 
enable  them  to  ensure  that  the  financial  statements 
and the Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with 
the UK Companies Act and, in respect of the Group’s 
consolidated  financial  statements,  Article  4  of  the  
IAS Regulation.

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  safeguarding  the 
assets of the Group and Company and hence for taking 
reasonable  steps  for  the  prevention  and  detection  of 
fraud and other irregularities.

AR

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  the  maintenance 
and integrity of the financial and associated corporate 
information  published  on  the  Company’s  website 
at  www.mediclinic.com.  Legislation  in  the  United 
Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination 
of  financial  statements  may  differ  from  legislation  in 
other jurisdictions.

The  Directors  consider  that  the  Annual  Report  and 
Financial Statements, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and  understandable  and  provides  the  information 
necessary  for  shareholders  to  assess  the  Group  and 
Company’s performance, business model and strategy.

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are 
listed on pages 70 to 71 of the Annual Report, confirm 
that to the best of their knowledge:
•  the Group and Company financial statements, 
which were prepared in accordance with IFRS,  
as adopted by the European Union, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit of the Group; and

•  the Directors’ Report includes a fair review of the 
development and performance of the business 
and the position of the Group and the Company, 
together with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that it faces. 

The  Group’s  consolidated  financial  statements,  as  set 
out  on  pages  143  to  217  and  approved  by  the  Board 
on  23  May  2017,  were  prepared  on  a  going-concern 
basis.  The  Directors  believe  that  the  Group  and  the  
Company  will  continue  to  be  in  operation  in  the 
foreseeable future.

For and on behalf of the Board.

AR

AR

Danie Meintjes 
Chief Executive Officer 
23 May 2017 

Jurgens Myburgh
Chief Financial Officer
23 May 2017

 
 
130

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

CONTENTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTENTS

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

131

143

144

145

146

148

149

Independent auditors’ report

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Consolidated income statement

Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

218

221

222

223

224

Independent auditors’ report

Company statement of financial position

Company statement of changes in equity

Company statement of cash flows

Notes to the Company financial statements

GENERAL INFORMATION

These  financial  statements  are  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  Group  consisting  of  Mediclinic 
International plc and its subsidiaries. A list of subsidiaries is included from page 211 to 216.

Mediclinic International plc (the “Company”) is a public limited company, which is listed on the London Stock 
Exchange and is incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company has secondary listings on the 
Johannesburg  Stock  Exchange  and  the  Namibian  Stock  Exchange.  A  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Hirslanden  AG 
issued bonds on the SIX.

Registered Address:
40 Dukes Place
London
EC3A 7NH
United Kingdom

The main business of the Group is to provide comprehensive, high-quality hospital and related services on a cost-
effective basis.

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Directors on 23 May 2017. No authority was given to 
anyone to amend the financial statements after the date of issue.

All press releases, financial reports and other information are available on our website: www.mediclinic.com.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

131

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 
to the members of Mediclinic International plc

REPORT ON THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OUR OPINION

In our opinion, Mediclinic International plc’s group financial statements (the “financial statements”):
•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs at 31 March 2017 and of its profit and cash flows 

for the year then ended;

•  have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”)  

as adopted by the European Union; and

•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the 

IAS Regulation.

WHAT WE HAVE AUDITED

The financial statements, included within the Annual Report and Financial Statements, comprise:
•  the consolidated statement of financial position at 31 March 2017;
•  the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of other comprehensive income for the year 

then ended;

•  the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended;
•  the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; and
•  the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other 

explanatory information.

Certain  required  disclosures  have  been  presented  elsewhere  in  the  Annual  Report  and  Financial  Statements, 
rather than in the notes to the financial statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and 
are identified as audited.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is IFRSs  
as adopted by the European Union and applicable law.

OUR AUDIT APPROACH

OVERVIEW
•  Overall group materiality: £14.9 million which represents approximately 5% of 

profit before tax.

•  Our audit included full scope audits at six reporting units which accounted for 
93% of consolidated revenue and 92% of consolidated profit before tax. We 
separately performed specified procedures at two further reporting units meaning 
that our audit covered all reporting units that individually contributed more than 
1% to the Group’s revenue and 3% to profit before tax. 

•  Finalisation of the purchase price allocation for the reverse acquisition of Al Noor 
•  Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill 
•  Valuation of associate interest in Spire Healthcare Group plc (“Spire”)
•  Risk of fraud in revenue recognition

Materiality

Audit scope

Areas of 
focus

132

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT AND OUR AREAS OF FOCUS
We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (UK  and  Ireland)  (“ISAs  
(UK & Ireland)”).

We  designed  our  audit  by  determining  materiality  and  assessing  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  in  the 
financial statements. In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example 
in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events 
that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits, we addressed the risk of management override of internal 
controls,  including  evaluating  whether  there  was  evidence  of  bias  by  the  directors  that  represented  a  risk  of 
material  misstatement  due  to  fraud.  Procedures  designed  to  address  these  risks  included  testing  of  material 
journal entries and post-close adjustments, testing and evaluation of management’s key accounting estimates 
for reasonableness and consistency and undertaking cut-off procedures to verify proper cut-off of revenue and 
expenses. In addition, we incorporate an element of unpredictability into our audit work each year. 

The  risks  of  material  misstatement  that  had  the  greatest  effect  on  our  audit,  including  the  allocation  of  our 
resources and effort, are identified as areas of focus in the table below. We have also set out how we tailored our 
audit to address these specific areas in order to provide an opinion on the financial statements as a whole and 
any comments we make on the results of our procedures should be read in this context. This is not a complete 
list of all risks identified by our audit. 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

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133

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

1.   Finalisation  of  the  purchase  price  allocation  of 

the reverse acquisition of Al Noor
 (refer  to  Audit  and  Risk  Committee  Report  
on  page  116  and  notes  4  and  29  in  the  Group  
Financial Statements)

On  15  February  2016,  Mediclinic  completed 
the  reverse  acquisition  of  Al  Noor  for  a  total 
consideration of £1 359m.

for 

price 

purchase 

allocation 

The 
the  
acquisition  was  considered  to  be  provisional  at  
31  March  2016  and  was  disclosed  as  such  in 
the  2016  financial  statements.  At  that  time,  the  
Group  was 
in  discussions  with  UAE  medical 
insurance  funders  and  other  third  parties  about 
conforming  Al  Noor’s  commercial  practices  to 
the  rest  of  the  Group  and  there  was  therefore 
uncertainty about the adequacy of provisions for the 
collection of accounts receivable and for insurance 
rejections. Management has subsequently finalised 
the purchase price allocation in the current financial 
year as required by IFRS. The net assets of Al Noor 
assumed by the Group have been adjusted by £14m 
through an additional provision for the impairment 
of  receivables.  A  corresponding  adjustment  has  
been recorded to goodwill. 

The adjustment  required to increase the  provision 
for  the  impairment  of  receivables  at  the  date  of 
acquisition  resulted  in  a  rigorous  assessment  by 
management  of  the  provision  for  impairment  of  
Al Noor receivables at 31 March 2017.

We  focused  on  this  area  because  of  the  extent 
of  judgement  and  estimation  involved  in  the 
assessment  to  adjust  the  take-on  balance  sheet 
of  Al  Noor  as  opposed  to  accounting  for  the 
adjustments 
the  acquisition 
as  part  of  post-acquisition  earnings.  We 
focused  on  the  provision  for  the  impairment  of 
receivables  at  year-end  as  this  area  requires  the 
exercise  of  significant  management  judgement  
and estimation.

subsequent 

to 

assessment 

obtained  management’s 

We 
of 
adjustments required to the take-on balance sheet of 
Al Noor and independently assessed the completeness 
of  adjustments 
identified.  We  performed  an 
independent  assessment  of  the  additional  provision 
for  the  impairment  of  receivables  at  the  date  of  the 
take-on  balance  sheet  by  evaluating  the  results  of 
claim  audits  by  medical  insurers,  ageing  analyses  of 
receivable balances and analysis of payments received 
subsequent to the acquisition date. We substantiated 
management’s assessment that the additional provision 
related to revenue transactions which occurred before 
the acquisition date. 

We  extended  our  testing  to  the  assessment  of 
recoverability  of  Al  Noor’s  receivable  balances  at  
31 March 2017. We obtained an understanding of the 
process followed by management to identify impaired 
balances and performed an independent assessment of 
the provision calculated by management by evaluating 
the  results  of  claim  audits  by  medical  insurers  where 
available,  historical  trends  of  disallowed  claims  and 
subsequent settlements and ageing analyses. We also 
tested receipts subsequent to year-end.

Based  on  the  procedures  performed,  we  did  not 
identify  any  material  adjustment  required  to  the 
position reported by the Group in the take-on balance 
sheet of Al Noor or at 31 March 2017. In addition, we 
considered  whether  any  additional  adjustments  were 
required  to  the  initial  purchase  price  allocation  that 
might  have  been  required  as  the  Group  conforms  
Al  Noor’s  accounting  and  operational  practices  with 
the  rest  of  Mediclinic  following  the  acquisition.  We 
did  not  identify  any  material  additional  adjustments. 
We  were  also  satisfied  with  the  adequacy  of  the 
disclosures in respect of the finalisation of the purchase 
price  allocation,  comprising  a  restatement  of  certain 
comparative balance sheet accounts. 

 
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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

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Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

2.   Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill

 (refer  to  Audit  and  Risk  Committee  Report 
on  page  117  and  notes  4  and  7  in  the  Group  
Financial Statements)

The  Group  has  £2  156m  of  intangible  assets.  
This balance consists mainly of goodwill relating to 
the Mediclinic Middle East operations of £1 401m, 
goodwill on the acquisition of the Swiss operations 
of  £307m,  Swiss  trademarks  of  £341m  and  the  
Al Noor brand name of £28m. 

life 

indefinite 

The Group is required to perform annual impairment 
tests  on  goodwill.  The  Swiss  trademarks  were 
classified  as 
intangible  assets 
at  the  time  of  the  acquisition  and  the  Group  
carries out annual impairment tests based on value-
in-use  calculations.  The  Group  also  performed  an 
impairment assessment of the cash generating unit 
(“CGU”) to which the Al Noor brand name has been 
allocated  as  specific  impairment  indicators  were 
identified for this CGU. 

No  impairment  losses  were  recorded  during  the 
current  or  prior  years  in  respect  of  these  assets. 
However,  the  carrying  values  of  goodwill  and 
intangible  assets  are  contingent  on  future  cash 
flows and there is a risk if these cash flows do not 
meet  the  Group’s  expectations,  or  if  significant 
judgements like the discount rates or growth rates 
change, that the assets will be impaired.

We  focused  on  the  impairment  assessments  of 
these  intangible  assets  as  the  impairment  reviews 
carried  out  by  the  Group  contain  a  number  of 
significant judgements, including the classification 
of the Swiss trademarks as indefinite life intangible 
assets and the level at which goodwill is monitored 
for  impairment,  and  estimates,  including  growth 
rates  and  discount  rates.  Changes 
in  these 
assumptions might lead to a significant change in 
the carrying values of the related assets.

Deploying  our  valuation  specialists,  we  obtained 
management’s  impairment  calculations  and  tested 
the  reasonableness  of  key  assumptions,  including 
cash flow forecasts and the selection of growth rates 
and  discount  rates.  We  challenged  management  to 
substantiate  its  assumptions,  including  comparing 
relevant  assumptions  to  industry  benchmarks  and 
economic forecasts.

We  substantively  tested  the  integrity  of  supporting 
calculations and corroborated certain information with 
third party sources. 

We  agreed  the  underlying  cash  flows  to  approved 
budgets and assessed growth rates and discount rates 
by comparison to third party information, the Group’s 
cost of capital and relevant risk factors. Future cash flow 
assumptions were evaluated in the context of current 
trading  performance  against  budget  and  forecasts, 
considering  the  historical  accuracy  of  budgeting  and 
forecasting  and  understanding  the  reasons  for  the 
growth profiles used.

We  evaluated  management’s  sensitivity  analyses  to 
ascertain  the  impact  of  reasonably  possible  changes 
to  key  assumptions  on  the  available  headroom.  We 
agree with management’s assessment that the Middle 
East and Hirslanden goodwill impairment assessments 
are  sensitive  to  reasonably  possible  changes  to  
key assumptions. 

We  evaluated  management’s  judgement  regarding 
the  level  at  which  goodwill  arising  from  the  Al 
Noor  acquisition  is  monitored  for  impairment  and 
concluded  that  the  decision  to  combine  Al  Noor 
with  Mediclinic  Middle  East  for  goodwill  impairment 
review  purposes  is  reasonable  based  on  the  initial 
commercial  rationale 
for  the  acquisition,  which 
included  expected  synergies  from  integrating  the 
legacy  Al  Noor  business  with  the  legacy  Mediclinic 
Middle  East  business  that  would  be  realised  across  
the Middle East operating segment. 

Based  on  our  work  performed,  we  concurred  with 
management  that  no  impairments  were  required 
for  goodwill  or  for  the  acquired  intangible  assets  at  
31  March  2017.  We  found  that  the  judgements  were 
supported  by  reasonable  assumptions  and  that  the 
disclosures  in  respect  of  the  impairment  assessments 
are  a  fair  reflection  of  the  judgements  made  by  
the Group.

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

135

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

3.   Valuation of associate interest in Spire 

 (refer  to  Audit  and  Risk  Committee  Report 
on  page  117  and  notes  8  and  30  in  the  Group  
Financial Statements)

Mediclinic  acquired  an  interest  of  29.9%  in  Spire 
Healthcare Group plc (“Spire”) for a consideration 
of £437m in the prior financial year. We focused on 
the  valuation  of  the  investment  in  Spire,  directing 
our attention in particular at the following areas:

the 

•  A notional purchase price allocation is required 
to  split 
total  purchase  consideration 
between  tangible  assets  acquired,  intangible 
assets  identified  on  acquisition  and  goodwill. 
As  the  investment  is  accounted  for  using  the 
equity  method,  net  assets  of  the  investee 
are  not  recognised  in  the  Group’s  statement 
of  financial  position,  but  the  share  of  profits 
equity  accounted  is  affected  by  adjustments 
such  as  additional  depreciation  due  to  fair 
tangible  assets  at 
to 
value  adjustments 
acquisition  and  the  amortisation  of  intangible 
assets  identified  and  recognised  separately 
from  goodwill.  The  Group  finalised  its  notional 
purchase  price  allocation  with  the  assistance 
of  an  independent  expert  during  the  current 
financial  year.  Separately  identifiable  intangible 
assets amounting to £68 million were valued as 
a  result  of  this  exercise.  Judgement  is  involved 
in notionally allocating the purchase price to the 
tangible  and  intangible  assets  identified  in  the 
acquisition  together  with  the  valuation  of  the 
intangible  assets  requiring  specialist  skills  and 
knowledge;

•  The  equity  accounted  earnings  of  Spire  that 
are  included  in  the  income  statement  of  the 
Group  represent  the  year  ended  31  December 
2016  consistent  with  Spire’s  financial  year-end, 
which  is  not  co-terminous  with  Mediclinic’s  
31  March  2017  year-end.  The  equity  accounting 
for  Spire  lags  the  Group’s  reporting  period  by 
three months as allowed by IAS 28. Application 
of  this  policy  means  that  the  Group  needs  to 
consider  whether  there  were  any  significant 
developments  at  Spire  between  1  January  2017 
and 31 March 2017, the date to which the Group 
draws its consolidated financial statements; and

We  obtained  the  report  issued  by  the  external 
valuation  expert  engaged  by  the  Group  to  perform 
the  notional  purchase  price  allocation  and  to  assist 
with  the  identification  of  identifiable  assets  acquired. 
Using  our  own  valuation  specialists,  we  assessed  the 
process and methodology adopted by management’s 
expert and the underlying assumptions and tested the 
mathematical accuracy of the valuation model.

We  substantively  tested  the  equity  accounted  results 
of  Spire  recorded  by  the  Group  with  reference  to 
the  audited  financial  statements  of  Spire  for  the  year 
ended 31 December 2016. We instructed the auditors 
of  Spire  to  perform  specified  procedures  to  support 
our assessment of Spire’s results equity accounted by 
the Group. 

We  read  recent  press  reports  of  Spire  and  discussed 
with the Group’s representative who sits on the board 
of  Spire  any  significant  or  abnormal  transactions 
that  occurred  in  the  period  from  1  January  2017  to  
31 March 2017, being the period not equity accounted 
by  the  Group,  which  could  have  had  an  effect  on  
the  results  and  carrying  value  of  the  associate  at  
31 March 2017. 

We evaluated the share performance of Spire over the 
period since acquisition with reference to its reported 
financial  performance.  We  met  with  the  Group’s 
nominated director on the Spire board to understand 
whether  any  indicators  of  impairment  exist  based 
on  the  underlying  performance  of  the  business  and 
we  inspected  the  latest  available  financial  reports 
of  Spire.  We  obtained  analyst  consensus  forecasts  
of  the  Spire  share  price  over  the  next  twelve  
months  to  understand  third  party  expectations  
of future performance. 

 
136

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

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Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

3.   Valuation of associate interest in Spire (continued)

•  At  31  March  2017,  the  carrying  value  of  the 
investment  in  Spire  exceeded  the  listed  market 
value of the investment, which could indicate a 
possible  impairment.  The  Group  assessed  the 
recoverable  amount  of  the  investment  based  
on a value in use calculation and concluded that 
no  impairment  loss  was  required.  We  focused 
on this area because judgement and estimation 
are involved in the impairment assessment. The 
carrying  value  of  the  investment  is  contingent 
on future cash flows and there is a risk that the 
investment  will  be  impaired  if  these  cash  flows 
do not meet expectations. In addition, significant 
transactions  or  events  that  occur  between 
Spire’s year-end and the Group’s reporting date 
may have an impact on the carrying value of the 
investment.

the 

impairment 

assessment 

Deploying  our  valuation  specialists,  we  obtained 
management’s 
and 
reasonableness  of  key  assumptions 
tested 
underpinning  management’s  value  in  use  valuation 
of  the  Group’s  investment  of  Spire,  including  cash 
flow  forecasts  and  the  selection  of  growth  rates 
and  discount  rates.  We  challenged  management  to 
substantiate  its  assumptions,  including  comparing 
relevant  assumptions 
third  party  data  and  
economic forecasts.

to 

We  evaluated  management’s  sensitivity  analyses  to 
ascertain  the  impact  of  reasonably  possible  changes 
to  key  assumptions  on  the  available  headroom.  We 
evaluated the disclosure regarding the sensitivity of the 
impairment judgement to reasonably possible changes 
in  the  key  assumptions  underlying  the  impairment 
assessment. 

Based  on  our  work  performed,  we  concurred  with 
management  that  no  impairment  loss  is  required 
to  the  investment  at  31  March  2017  and  we  did  not 
identify  any  significant  or  abnormal  transactions 
that  affect  the  period  from  1  January  2017  through  
31 March 2017. We found the judgements and estimates 
made by management to be materially reasonable and 
the related disclosures to be appropriate. 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

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137

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

4.   Risk of fraud in revenue recognition

 (refer  to  Audit  and  Risk  Committee  Report  on 
page 114)

Different  business  models  apply  in  each  of  the 
Group’s businesses as a result of different regulatory 
environments  and  relationship  models  between 
the hospitals and funders. The Group’s accounting 
policies  in  respect  of  revenue  recognition  are 
not  considered  to  present  a  significant  risk  of 
misstatement  due  to  the  simple  nature  of  the 
underlying  transactions  and  related  processes. 
However,  as  with  any  audit  an  inherent  risk  exists 
that revenue may be overstated due to fraud as a 
result of incentives to achieve certain performance 
targets driven mainly by revenue. 

We obtained an understanding of the different revenue 
streams  and  revenue  models  across  the  Group.  In 
particular, we focused on the newly acquired Al Noor 
business  more  broadly  as  it  conforms  its  accounting 
and  commercial  practices  with  the  rest  of  the  Group 
and on a specific Al Noor business unit that was subject 
to an earn-out. 

We evaluated the relevant controls in the revenue cycle. 
We  used  computer  assisted  auditing  techniques  or 
tests of details to test settled transactions from source 
to  receipt  of  payment.  We  tested  unusual  journal 
entries impacting revenue and accounts receivable. We 
performed tests of details on adjustments recorded to 
reported revenue. 

tested  unsettled 
testing  of 

transactions  substantively 
We 
to  
receipts 
through 
year-end, confirmation of claims with medical insurers 
or  patient  file  testing  to  check  that  the  underlying 
service happened prior to year-end.

subsequent 

We obtained an understanding of the process followed 
impaired  receivable 
identify 
by  management  to 
balances and performed an independent assessment of 
the provision calculated by management by evaluating 
the results of claim audits by medical insurers, historical 
information  and  ageing  analyses.  We  performed 
analytical  procedures  designed  to  identify  unusual 
trends  in  revenue  recognition  and  pricing  of  services, 
including an assessment of insurance rejections. 

Based on the procedures performed, we have identified 
no material adjustments.

 
 
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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

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HOW WE TAILORED THE AUDIT SCOPE
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on 
the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the geographic structure of the Group, the accounting 
processes and controls, and the industry in which the Group operates. 

The Group financial statements are a consolidation of eight reporting units which comprise sub-consolidations 
of the operations in each of the Group’s key markets. The South Africa, Switzerland and Dubai reporting units 
required an audit of their complete financial information due to their size. Audits were also performed over the 
complete  financial  information  of  three  other  reporting  units  (Abu  Dhabi,  being  the  legacy  Al  Noor  business, 
the Mediclinic International plc parent company and Spire) to give appropriate audit coverage and to focus on 
specific risks associated with the acquisition of Al Noor and Spire in the prior financial year given the need to 
finalise  the  provisional  purchase  price  accounting  in  the  current  financial  year.  Taken  together,  reporting  units 
where  we  performed  audit  work  over  the  complete  financial  information  accounted  for  93%  of  consolidated 
revenue and 92% of consolidated profit before tax. We separately performed specified procedures at two further 
reporting units meaning that our audit covered all reporting units that individually contributed more than 1% to 
the Group’s revenue and 3% to profit before tax. 

In addition, we instructed the component auditor at Spire, the one reporting unit with a non co-terminous year-
end to the rest of the Group, to undertake subsequent event review procedures over the lag period of account.

In  establishing  the  overall  approach  to  the  Group  audit,  we  determined  the  type  of  work  that  needed  to  be 
performed at the reporting units by us, as the Group engagement team, or by component auditors from other 
PwC network firms or, in the case of Spire, other audit firms operating under our instruction. Where the work was 
performed by component auditors, we determined the level of involvement we needed to have in the audit work 
at those reporting units to be able to conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence had been obtained 
as a basis for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole. 

Recognising that not every business in each of the eight reporting units which comprise the Group’s consolidated 
results  and  financial  position  is  included  in  our  Group  audit  scope,  we  considered  as  part  of  our  Group  audit 
oversight  responsibility  what  audit  coverage  has  been  obtained  in  aggregate  by  our  component  teams  by 
reference to business components at which audit work has been undertaken.

We  visited  our  component  teams  in  South  Africa,  Switzerland  and  the  UAE,  which  included  file  reviews, 
attendance at key audit meetings with local management and participation in audit clearance meetings at each 
reporting unit. We also had regular dialogue with our component audit teams at each key reporting unit and with  
Spire’s auditor.

Further specific audit procedures over the Group consolidation (and review procedures over the Annual Report 
and Financial Statements disclosures) were directly led by the Group audit team. 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

139

MATERIALITY
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for 
materiality. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the 
nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures 
and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based  on  our  professional  judgement,  we  determined  materiality  for  the  financial  statements  as  a  whole  
as follows:

Overall group materiality

How we determined it

Rationale for benchmark applied

Component materiality

£14.9 million (2016: £13 million).

Approximately 5% of profit before tax.

We believe that profit before tax is a primary 
measure used by the shareholders in assessing the 
performance of the Group and is a generally accepted 
auditing benchmark.

For each component in our audit scope, we allocated 
a materiality that was less than overall group audit 
materiality. The range of materiality allocated to 
each reporting unit was between £1.5 million and 
£12 million. The materiality used for the audit of the 
parent company was £12 million. Certain components 
were audited to a local statutory audit materiality that 
was also less than our overall group materiality.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit 
above £0.7 million (2016: £0.7 million) as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted 
reporting for qualitative reasons.

GOING CONCERN
Under the Listing Rules, we are required to review the directors’ statement, set out on page 129, in relation to 
going concern. 

We have nothing to report having performed our review. 

Under  ISAs  (UK  &  Ireland),  we  are  required  to  report  to  you  if  we  have  anything  material  to  add  or  to  draw 
attention  to  in  relation  to  the  directors’  statement  about  whether  they  considered  it  appropriate  to  adopt 
the  going  concern  basis  in  preparing  the  financial  statements.  We  have  nothing  material  to  add  or  to  draw  
attention to. 

As  noted  in  the  directors’  statement,  the  directors  have  concluded  that  it  is  appropriate  to  adopt  the  going 
concern  basis  in  preparing  the  financial  statements.  The  going  concern  basis  presumes  that  the  Group  has 
adequate resources to remain in operation, and that the directors intend it to do so, for at least one year from the 
date the financial statements were signed. 

As part of our audit, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate. However, 
because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements are not a guarantee of the Group’s 
ability to continue as a going concern.

140

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

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OTHER REQUIRED REPORTING

CONSISTENCY OF OTHER INFORMATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH 
APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS

COMPANIES ACT 2006 REPORTING
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the 

financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal 

requirements.

In addition, in light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and its environment obtained in the course 
of the audit, we are required to report if we have identified any material misstatements in the Strategic Report 
and the Directors’ Report. We have nothing to report in this respect.

ISAS (UK & IRELAND) REPORTING

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

•  information in the Annual Report and Financial  

Statements is:
− 

− 

 materially inconsistent with the information in the 
audited financial statements; or
 apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group 
acquired in the course of performing our audit; or

−  otherwise misleading.

•  the statement given by the directors on page 129, in 
accordance with provision C.1.1 of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the “Code”), that they consider the 
Annual Report and Financial Statements taken as a whole 
to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for members to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business model and strategy is 
materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group 
acquired in the course of performing our audit.

•  the section of the Annual Report and Financial Statements 
on page 114, as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, 
describing the work of the Audit Committee does not 
appropriately address matters communicated by us to  
the Audit Committee.

We have no exceptions to report.

We have no exceptions to report.

We have no exceptions to report.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

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141

THE DIRECTORS’ ASSESSMENT OF THE PROSPECTS OF THE GROUP AND OF THE 
PRINCIPAL RISKS THAT WOULD THREATEN THE SOLVENCY OR LIQUIDITY OF THE 
GROUP

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you  
if we have anything material to add or to draw attention to in 
relation to:

•  the directors’ confirmation on pages 30 to 36 of the 

Annual Report and Financial Statements, in accordance 
with provision C.2.1 of the Code, that they have carried out 
a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, 
including those that would threaten its business model, 
future performance, solvency or liquidity.

•  the disclosures in the Annual Report and Financial 

Statements that describe those risks and explain how they 
are being managed or mitigated.

•  the directors’ explanation on page 35 of the Annual Report 
and Financial Statements, in accordance with provision 
C.2.2 of the Code, how they have assessed the prospects 
of the Group, over what period they have done so and 
why they consider that period to be appropriate and their 
statement whether they have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group will be able to continue in operation and 
meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their 
assessment, including any related disclosures drawing 
attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing material to add or to 
draw attention to.

We have nothing material to add or to 
draw attention to.

We have nothing material to add or to 
draw attention to.

Under the Listing Rules, we are required to review the directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing the Group and the directors’ statement in relation to the longer-term 
viability of the Group. Our review was substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making 
inquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statements; checking that the statements are 
in alignment with the relevant provisions of the Code; and considering whether the statements are consistent 
with the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing our audit. We have nothing to report having 
performed our review.

ADEQUACY OF INFORMATION AND EXPLANATIONS RECEIVED

Under  the  Companies  Act  2006,  we  are  required  to  report  to  you  if,  in  our  opinion,  we  have  not  received 
all  the  information  and  explanations  we  require  for  our  audit.  We  have  no  exceptions  to  report  arising  from  
this responsibility. 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ 
remuneration specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

Under  the  Listing  Rules,  we  are  required  to  review  the  part  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Statement  relating  
to ten further provisions of the Code. We have nothing to report having performed our review. 

142

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE AUDIT

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND THOSE OF THE DIRECTORS

As  explained  more  fully  in  the  Directors’  Responsibilities  Statement  set  out  on  page  129,  the  directors  are 
responsible  for  the  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  and  for  being  satisfied  that  they  give  a  true  and  
fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical 
Standards for Auditors.

This  report,  including  the  opinions,  has  been  prepared  for  and  only  for  the  company’s  members  as  a  body  in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving 
these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report 
is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

WHAT AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INVOLVES

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to 
give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by 
fraud or error. 

This includes an assessment of: 
•  whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances and have been consistently 

applied and adequately disclosed; 

•  the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and 
•  the overall presentation of the financial statements. 
We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements against available evidence, 
forming our own judgements and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.

We  test  and  examine  information,  using  sampling  and  other  auditing  techniques,  to  the  extent  we  consider 
necessary to provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the 
effectiveness of controls, substantive procedures or a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report and Financial Statements 
to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is 
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the 
course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies, 
we  consider  the  implications  for  our  report.  With  respect  to  the  Strategic  Report  and  Directors’  Report,  we 
consider whether those reports include the disclosures required by applicable legal requirements.

OTHER MATTER

We have reported separately on the Company financial statements of Mediclinic International plc for the year 
ended 31 March 2017 and on the information in the Directors’ Remuneration Report that is described as having 
been audited.

Giles Hannam (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
23 May 2017

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

143

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF  
FINANCIAL POSITION  as at 31 March 2017

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Property, equipment and vehicles
Intangible assets
Equity accounted investments
Other investments and loans
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred income tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Other investments and loans
Current income tax assets
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets classified as held for sale

Total assets

EQUITY

Capital and reserves

Share capital
Share premium reserve
Treasury shares
Retained earnings
Other reserves

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interests 

Total equity

LIABILITIES

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings
Deferred income tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations
Provisions
Derivative financial instruments
Cash-settled share-based payment liability

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Retirement benefit obligations
Derivative financial instruments
Current income tax liabilities
Liabilities classified as held for sale

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

6 
7 
8 
9 
20 
10 

11 
12 
9 

20 
28.8
32 

13 
13 
13 

14 

16 

17 
10 
18 
19 
20 
15 

21 
17 
19 
18 
20 

32 

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

6 353 
3 703 
2 156 
465 
8 
– 
21 

1 069 
90 
591 
16 
2 
– 
361 
9 

7 422 

74 
690 
(2)
5 525 
(2 201)

4 086 

78 

5 618 
3 199 
1 941 
455 
6 
1 
16 

931 
75 
547 
– 
2 
2 
305 
– 

6 549 

74 
690 
(2)
5 320 
(2 573)

3 509 

61 

4 164 

3 570 

2 668 
1 961 
527 
154 
23 
2 
1 

590 
472 
69 
22 
10 
7 
8 
2 

3 258 

7 422 

2 192 
1 524 
446 
179 
24 
19 
– 

787 
431 
317 
19 
9 
1 
10 
– 

2 979 

6 549 

These financial statements and the accompanying notes were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 
23 May 2017 and were signed on its behalf by:

DP Meintjes 
Chief Executive Officer  

PJ Myburgh
Chief Financial Officer

Mediclinic International plc (Company no 08338604)

 
 
 
144

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
for the year ended 31 March 2017

Revenue
Cost of sales

Administration and other operating expenses

Other gains and losses

Operating profit 
Finance income

Finance cost

Share of net profit of equity accounted investments

Profit before tax
Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Notes

22 

22 

23 

24 

8 

25 

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

2 749 

(1 696)

2 107 

(1 264)

(689)

(2)

362 

7 

(74)

12 

307 

(64)

243 

229 

14 

243 

(554)

(1)

288 

9 

(58)

6 

245 

(55)

190 

177 

13 

190 

Earnings per ordinary share attributable to the equity holders of the 
Company – pence

Basic

Diluted

26 

26 

31.0 

31.0 

29.6 

29.5 

 
GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

145

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  
for the year ended 31 March 2017

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement 
Currency translation differences

Fair value adjustment – cash flow hedges

Items that may not be reclassified to the income statement 
Remeasurements of retirement benefit obligations

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Notes

27 

27 

27 

27 

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

243 

190 

388 

– 

388 

34 

422 

665 

635 

30 

665 

92 

2 

94 

(56)

38 

228 

224 

4 

228 

 
146

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES  
IN EQUITY for the year ended 31 March 2017

Balance at 1 April 2015

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Shares issued (August 2015)

Share issue costs (August 2015)

Reverse acquisition 

Share subscription (February 2016) 

Reduction of share premium

Utilised by the Mpilo Trusts

Treasury shares purchased (Forfeitable Share Plan)

Share-based payment expense

Transactions with non-controlling shareholders

Dividends paid

Balance at 31 March 2016

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with non-controlling shareholders

Dividends paid

Balance at 31 March 2017

Share
capital
(note 13)
£’m

Capital
redemption
reserve
(note 13)
£’m

Share
premium
reserve
(note 13)
£’m

994 

– 

– 

– 

479 

(4)

(1 402)

7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

74 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

74 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4 862 

593 

(4 765)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

690 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

690 

Reverse

acquisition

reserve

(note 13)

£’m

Treasury

shares

(note 13)

£’m

Share-

based

Foreign

currency

payment

translation

reserve

(note 14)

£’m

reserve

(note 14)

Hedging

reserve

(note 14)

£’m

Retained

earnings

GROUP

Attributable

to equity

Non-

holders of

controlling

Company

the

£’m

interests

(note 16)

£’m

(22)

14 

1 779 

(3 014)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

21 

(1)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

£’m

306 

– 

101 

101 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

407 

– 

372 

372 

– 

– 

779 

4 765 

£’m

485 

177 

(56)

121 

– 

– 

(6)

– 

– 

– 

– 

3 

(48)

229 

34 

263 

4 

(62)

2 

– 

2 

2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4 

177 

47 

224 

479 

(4)

446 

600 

– 

21 

(1)

10 

3 

(48)

229 

406 

635 

4 

(62)

(3 014)

(2)

24 

5 320 

3 509 

(3 014)

(2)

24 

5 525 

4 086 

Total

equity

£’m

1 840 

190 

38 

228 

479 

(4)

446 

600 

– 

21 

(1)

10 

6 

(55)

3 570 

243 

422 

665 

– 

(71)

4 164 

61 

13 

(9)

4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3 

(7)

61 

14 

16 

30 

(4)

(9)

78 

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

147

Reverse
acquisition
reserve
(note 13)
£’m

Treasury
shares
(note 13)
£’m

Share-
based
payment
reserve
(note 14)
£’m

Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
(note 14)
£’m

Hedging
reserve
(note 14)
£’m

Retained
earnings
£’m

GROUP

Attributable
to equity
holders of
the
Company
£’m

Non-
controlling
interests
(note 16)
£’m

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(3 014)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Balance at 31 March 2016

74 

690 

(3 014)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(22)

14 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

21 

(1)

– 

– 

– 

(2)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10 

– 

– 

24 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

74 

690 

(3 014)

(2)

24 

306 

– 

101 

101 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

407 

– 

372 

372 

– 

– 

779 

2 

– 

2 

2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4 

485 

1 779 

177 

(56)

121 

– 

– 

(6)

– 

4 765 

– 

– 

– 

3 

(48)

177 

47 

224 

479 

(4)

446 

600 

– 

21 

(1)

10 

3 

(48)

5 320 

3 509 

229 

34 

263 

4 

(62)

229 

406 

635 

4 

(62)

5 525 

4 086 

61 

13 

(9)

4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3 

(7)

61 

14 

16 

30 

(4)

(9)

78 

Balance at 1 April 2015

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Shares issued (August 2015)

Share issue costs (August 2015)

Reverse acquisition 

Share subscription (February 2016) 

Reduction of share premium

Utilised by the Mpilo Trusts

Treasury shares purchased (Forfeitable Share Plan)

Share-based payment expense

Transactions with non-controlling shareholders

Dividends paid

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with non-controlling shareholders

Dividends paid

Balance at 31 March 2017

Share

redemption

Capital

reserve

(note 13)

£’m

Share

premium

reserve

(note 13)

£’m

capital

(note 13)

£’m

994 

479 

(4)

(1 402)

– 

– 

– 

7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4 862 

593 

(4 765)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6 

Total
equity
£’m

1 840 

190 

38 

228 

479 

(4)

446 

600 

– 

21 

(1)

10 

6 

(55)

3 570 

243 

422 

665 

– 

(71)

4 164 

148

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF  
CASH FLOWS for the year ended 31 March 2017

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash received from customers

Cash paid to suppliers and employees

Cash generated from operations

Interest received

Interest paid

Tax paid

Net cash generated from operating activities

GROUP

2017
£’m
Inflow/
(outflow)

2016
£’m
Inflow/
(outflow)

2 735 

(2 226)

2 078 

(1 667)

509 

7 

(77)

(45)

394 

411 

9 

(55)

(45)

320 

Notes

28.1

28.2

28.3

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

(218)

(1 549)

Investment to maintain operations

Investment to expand operations

Business combinations – Al Noor acquisition

Al Noor Hospitals Group plc shares repurchased 

Special dividend to existing Al Noor Hospitals Group plc shareholders

Proceeds on disposal of property, equipment and vehicles

Disposal of subsidiaries

Acquisition of investment in associate

Dividends received from equity accounted investment

Proceeds from money market funds

Acquisition of other investment and loans

Net cash generated/(utilised) before financing activities

28.4

28.5

29 

29 

29 

31 

8 & 30

(109)

(140)

– 

– 

– 

– 

44 

(1)

4 

– 

(16)

176 

(72)

(114)

(17)

(530)

(383)

1 

– 

(446)

2 

10 

– 

(1 229)

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

(169)

1 242 

Proceeds of shares issued 

Share issue costs 

Share subscription

Distributions to non-controlling interests 

Distributions to shareholders

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Refinancing transaction costs

Settlement of Al Noor Hospitals Group plc share option scheme

Shares purchased (Forfeitable Share Plan)

Proceeds from disposal of treasury shares 

Acquisition of non-controlling interest

Proceeds on disposal of non-controlling interest

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Opening balance of cash and cash equivalents

Exchange rate fluctuations on foreign cash

Closing balance of cash and cash equivalents

13 

13 

13 

16 

28.6

28.7

28.7

16

28.8

– 

– 

– 

(9)

(62)

247 

(327)

(3)

– 

– 

– 

(15)

– 

7 

305 

49 

361 

479 

(4)

600 

(7)

(48)

302 

(85)

(6)

(2)

(1)

12 

(2)

4 

13 

265 

27 

305 

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

149

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS  for the year ended 31 March 2017

1.

2.

2.1

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Mediclinic International plc is a private hospital group with three operating platforms in Southern Africa 
(South Africa and Namibia), Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates and with an equity investment in 
the UK. Its core purpose is to enhance the quality of life of patients by providing cost-effective acute care 
specialised hospital services.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The  principal  accounting  policies  applied  in  the  preparation  of  these  consolidated  financial  statements 
are  set  out  below.  These  policies  have  been  consistently  applied  to  all  the  periods  presented,  unless  
otherwise stated.

Basis of preparation
The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Group  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the European Union, including IFRS Interpretations 
Committee (IFRS IC) and with the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 
The financial statements are prepared on the historical cost convention, except for the following items 
which are carried at fair value or valued using another measurement basis:

•  Derivative financial assets and liabilities and available-for-sale financial assets are measured at  

fair value

•  Retirement benefit obligations that are measured in terms of the projected unit credit method
•  Liabilities for cash-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value.

The  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  the  use  of  certain  critical  
accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying 
the  Company’s  accounting  policies.  The  areas  involving  a  higher  degree  of  judgement  or  complexity, 
or  areas  where  assumptions  and  estimates  are  significant  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  are 
disclosed in note 4.

Functional and presentation currency 
The consolidated financial statements and financial information are presented in pound (the presentation 
currency), rounded to the nearest million. The functional currency of the majority of the Group's entities, 
and  the  currencies  of  the  primary  economic  environments  in  which  they  operate,  is  the  South  African 
rand, Swiss franc and United Arab Emirates dirham. The United Arab Emirates dirham is pegged against 
the United States dollar at a rate of 3.6725 per US Dollar. 

Exchange rates
The Group uses the average of exchange rates prevailing during the period to translate the results and 
cash flows of overseas subsidiaries, the joint venture and associated undertakings into pound and period-
end rates to translate the net assets of those undertakings. The following exchange rates were applicable 
during the period:

Average rates:
Swiss franc
UAE dirham
South African rand

Period end rates:

Swiss franc
UAE dirham
South African rand

GROUP

2017

2016

 1.29 
 4.80 
 18.41 

 1.25 
 4.59 
 16.74 

 1.47 
 5.54 
 20.73 

 1.38 
 5.28 
 21.21 

Going concern
Having  assessed  the  principal  risks  and  the  other  matters  discussed  in  connection  with  the  viability 
statement,  the  Directors  considered  it  appropriate  to  adopt  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  in 
preparing the financial statements.

 
 
 
150

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.
2.2
a)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Consolidation and equity accounting
Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group 
controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement 
with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

The results of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of 
acquisition until control is lost.

Adjustments to the financial statements of subsidiaries are made when necessary to bring their accounting 
policies in line with those of the Group.

All intra-company transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.

Non-controlling  interests  in  the  net  assets  of  consolidated  subsidiaries  are  identified  and  recognised 
separately  from  the  Group’s  interest  therein,  and  are  recognised  within  equity.  Losses  of  subsidiaries 
attributable to non-controlling interests are allocated to the non-controlling interest even if this results  
in a debit balance being recognised.

Transactions which result in changes in ownership levels, where the Company has control of the subsidiary 
both before and after the transaction are regarded as equity transactions and are recognised directly in 
the statement of changes in equity.

The  difference  between  the  fair  value  of  consideration  paid  or  received  and  the  movement  in  non-
controlling interest for such transactions is recognised in equity attributable to the owners of the parent.

Where a subsidiary is disposed of and a non-controlling shareholding is retained, the remaining investment 
is measured to fair value with the adjustment to fair value recognised in profit or loss as part of the gain 
or loss on disposal of the controlling interest.

Reverse acquisition accounting
On 14 October 2015, the Board of Directors of Al Noor Hospitals Group plc and the independent Board of 
Directors of Mediclinic International Limited announced that they had reached an agreement on the terms 
of  a  recommended  combination  of  their  respective  businesses  (the  ‘‘Combination’’).  Given  the  relative 
size  of  Al  Noor  and  Mediclinic,  the  Combination  has  been  classified  as  a  reverse  takeover  in  terms  of  
IFRS 3, based on the analysis of the voting rights after the combination and the composition of the Board 
of Directors. For the purpose of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority, the Combination was also 
classified as a reverse takeover.

On 15 February 2016, the entire share capital of Mediclinic International Limited was acquired by Al Noor 
Hopitals Group plc pursuant to the Mediclinic Scheme. Al Noor Hospitals Group plc acquired all of the 
Mediclinic  Shares  that  were  not  repurchased  and  cancelled  by  Mediclinic  in  the  Repurchase  Option. 
Mediclinic Shareholders were entitled to receive 0.625 new shares for every Mediclinic share held.

Al  Noor  Hospitals  Group  plc  has  remained  the  holding  company  of  the  Enlarged  Group  and  has  been 
renamed to ‘‘Mediclinic International plc’’. Mediclinic International plc wholly owns the Al Noor Hospitals 
Group and the Mediclinic Group, as well as the 29.9 per cent interest in Spire Heathcare plc, which was 
acquired by Mediclinic International Limited in August 2015. 

Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements are issued in the name of Mediclinic International plc 
(previously Al Noor Hospitals Group plc), but are a continuation of the consolidated financial statements of 
Mediclinic International Limited. In accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations, the financial statements 
of Mediclinic International Limited, including comparative information, have been retrospectively adjusted 
to reflect the legal capital position of Mediclinic International plc. For further details, refer to note 29.

A capital redemption reserve and a reverse acquisition reserve were created (refer to note 13). 

Al Noor’s results have been consolidated in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date 
of the acquisition, 15 February 2016.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

151

2.
2.2
b)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Consolidation and equity accounting (continued)
Business combinations
The Group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of 
the business combination is measured as the aggregate of the fair values of assets given, liabilities incurred 
or  assumed  and  equity  instruments  issued.  Costs  directly  attributable  to  the  business  combination  are 
expensed as incurred, except the costs to issue debt that are amortised as part of the effective interest 
and costs to issue equity, which are included in equity.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognised at fair value at the acquisition 
date.  Subsequent  changes  to  the  fair  value  of  the  contingent  consideration  that  is  deemed  to  be  an 
asset or liability is recognised in accordance with IAS 39 in profit or loss. Contingent consideration that is 
classified as equity is not remeasured, and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

The acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the recognition conditions 
of  IFRS  3  Business  Combinations  are  recognised  at  their  fair  values  at  acquisition  date,  except  for  
non-current  assets  (or  disposal  company)  that  are  classified  as  held-for-sale  in  accordance  with  
IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held-for-sale and Discontinued Operations, which are recognised at fair value 
less costs to sell.

Contingent liabilities are only included in the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree where there 
is a present obligation at acquisition date.

On acquisition, the Group assesses the classification of the acquiree's assets and liabilities and reclassifies 
them where the classification is inappropriate for Group purposes. This excludes lease agreements and 
insurance contracts, whose classification remains as per their inception date.

Non-controlling  interests  arising  from  a  business  combination,  which  are  present  ownership  interests, 
and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of the entity's net assets in the event of liquidation, are 
measured either at the present ownership interests' proportionate share in the recognised amounts of the 
acquiree's identifiable net assets or at fair value. The treatment is not an accounting policy choice but is 
selected for each individual business combination, and disclosed in the note for business combinations. 
All other components of non-controlling interests are measured at their acquisition date fair values, unless 
another measurement basis is required by IFRSs.

In cases where the Company held a non-controlling shareholding in the acquiree prior to obtaining control, 
that interest is measured to fair value as at acquisition date. The measurement to fair value is included in 
profit or loss for the year. Where the existing shareholding was classified as an available-for-sale financial 
asset, the cumulative fair value adjustments recognised previously to other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in equity are recognised in profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment.

Goodwill  is  determined  as  the  consideration  paid,  plus  the  fair  value  of  any  shareholding  held  prior 
to  obtaining  control,  plus  non-controlling  interest  and  less  the  fair  value  of  the  identifiable  assets  and 
liabilities of the acquiree. If the total of consideration transferred, non-controlling interest recognised and 
previously held interest measured is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired in 
the case of a bargain purchase, the difference is recognised directly in the income statement. 

Goodwill is not amortised but is tested on an annual basis for impairment. If goodwill is assessed to be 
impaired, that impairment is not subsequently reversed.

Goodwill arising on acquisition of foreign entities is considered an asset of the foreign entity. In such cases 
the goodwill is translated to the functional currency of the Company at the end of each reporting period 
with the adjustment recognised in equity through other comprehensive income.

152

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.
2.2
c)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Consolidation and equity accounting (continued)
Investment in associates and joint ventures
Associates  are  all  entities  over  which  the  Group  has  significant  influence  but  not  control,  generally 
accompanying  a  shareholding  of  between  20%  and  50%  of  the  voting  rights.  Investments  in  joint 
arrangements  are  classified  as  either  joint  operations  or  joint  ventures  depending  on  the  contractual 
rights and obligations of each investor. The Group has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and 
determined  them  to  be  joint  ventures.  Investments  in  associates  and  joint  ventures  are  accounted  for 
using the equity method of accounting.

Under the equity method, the equity accounted investments are initially recognised at cost and adjusted 
thereafter  to  recognise  the  Group’s  share  of  the  post-acquisition  profits  or  losses  and  movements  in 
other  comprehensive  income.  Dividends  received  or  receivable  from  equity  accounted  investments  are 
recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment. The Group’s investments in associates 
and  joint  ventures  include  goodwill  identified  on  acquisition.  When  the  Group’s  share  of  losses  in  an 
associate or joint venture equals or exceeds its interests in the investment (which includes any long-term 
interests  that,  in  substance,  form  part  of  the  Group’s  net  investment),  the  Group  does  not  recognise 
further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the entity.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its equity accounted investments are eliminated 
to the extent of the Group’s interest in these investments. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the 
transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of the equity 
accounted  investments  have  been  changed  where  necessary  to  ensure  consistency  with  the  policies 
adopted by the Group.

If the ownership interest in an equity accounted investment is reduced but significant influence or joint 
control is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive 
income  is  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  where  appropriate.  The  Group’s  share  of  post-acquisition  profit 
or  loss  is  recognised  in  the  income  statement,  and  its  share  of  post-acquisition  movements  in  other 
comprehensive income is recognised in other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to 
the carrying amount of the investment. 

The  Group  determines  at  each  reporting  date  whether  there  is  any  objective  evidence  that  the  equity 
accounted investment is impaired. If this is the case, the Group calculates the amount of impairment as 
the difference between the recoverable amount of the investment and its carrying value and recognises 
the amount adjacent to share of profit or loss of the investment in the income statement. 

Segment reporting
Consistent  with  internal  reporting,  the  Group's  segments  are  identified  as  the  three  geographical 
operating  platforms  in  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa,  Mediclinic  Switzerland,  Mediclinic  Middle  East.  
The United Kingdom and Corporate segments are additional non-operating segments. The chief operating 
decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the segments, 
has been identified as the Executive Committee that makes strategic decisions. The Executive Committee 
comprises the Executive Directors.

Property, equipment and vehicles
Land  and  buildings  comprise  mainly  hospitals  and  offices.  All  property,  equipment  and  vehicles  are 
shown  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  impairment,  except  for  land,  which  is  shown  at  cost 
less  impairment.  Cost  includes  expenditure  that  is  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition  of  the  items. 
Subsequent  costs  are  included  in  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  or  recognised  as  a  separate  asset,  as 
appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to 
the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance costs are 
charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on the other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to 
allocate the cost less its residual value over its estimated useful life as follows:

2.3

2.4

•  Buildings: 
•  Equipment: 
•  Furniture and vehicles: 

10 – 100 years
3 – 10 years
3 – 8 years

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

153

2.
2.4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Property, equipment and vehicles (continued)
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each statement  
of financial position date.

Refer to note 2.6 for impairment of property, equipment and vehicles.

2.5
a)

b)

An asset is derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from use. Profit 
or  loss  on  disposals  is  determined  by  comparing  proceeds  with  carrying  amounts.  These  are  included  
in the income statement. 

Intangible assets
Trade names
Trade names have been recognised by the Group as part of a business combination. No value is placed 
on internally developed trade names. Trade names that are deemed to have an indefinite useful life are 
carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Trade names that are deemed to have a finite useful 
life are capitalised at the cost to the Group and amortised on the straight-line basis over its estimated 
useful lifetime of 1 to 20 years (2016: 5 to 20 years). Expenditure to maintain trade names is accounted for 
against income as incurred.

Goodwill
Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  cost  of  an  acquisition  over  the  fair  value  of  the  Group’s  share 
of  the  net  identifiable  assets,  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  of  the  acquired  subsidiary  at  the  
date of acquisition and the fair value of the non-controlling interest in the subsidiary. Goodwill on acquisition 
of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill on acquisition of associates and joint ventures 
is included in investments in associates and joint ventures. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or 
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. Goodwill is carried 
at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Gains and 
losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. 

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units (“CGUs”) for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation 
is made to those CGUs or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from business combinations in 
which goodwill arose. Management monitors goodwill for impairment at an operating segment level. Any 
impairment losses that are recognised are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill 
allocated to the CGU and then to reduce the carrying amount of other assets on a pro rata basis.

c)

Computer software
Acquired  computer  software  licences  are  capitalised  on  the  basis  of  the  costs  incurred  to  acquire  and 
bring to use the specific software. These costs are amortised over their estimated useful lives (1 – 5 years) 
using the straight-line method. 

Internally developed computer software that is clearly associated with an identifiable and unique system, 
which will be controlled by the Group and have a probable future economic benefit beyond one year, are 
recognised as intangible assets. Costs associated with maintaining computer software or development 
expenditure that does not meet the recognition criteria are recognised as an expense as incurred.

2.6

Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets  that  have  an  indefinite  useful  life  are  not  subject  to  amortisation  and  are  tested  annually  for 
impairment  and  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  may 
not  be  recoverable.  Assets  that  are  subject  to  amortisation  or  depreciation  are  tested  for  impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 
An  impairment  loss  is  recognised  for  the  amount  by  which  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  exceeds  its 
recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and 
value in use. The recoverable amount is calculated by estimating future cash benefits that will result from 
each  asset  and  discounting  those  cash  benefits  at  an  appropriate  discount  rate.  For  the  purposes  of 
assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable 
cash flows – CGUs. Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for 
possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

154

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.
2.7

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Financial assets
The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: loans and receivables, available-for-sale 
financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit and loss. The classification depends on the 
purpose for which the asset was acquired. Management determines the classification of its investments 
at initial recognition.

Purchases and sales of investments are recognised on trade date – the date on which the Group commits 
to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs for all 
financial assets not subsequently carried at fair value through profit or loss. 

Financial  assets  are  derecognised  when  the  rights  to  receive  cash  flows  from  the  financial  assets  have 
expired  or  have  been  transferred  and  the  Group  has  transferred  substantially  all  risks  and  rewards  of 
ownership.

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are 
not quoted in an active market. Loans and receivables are included in current assets, except for maturities 
greater  than  12  months  after  the  reporting  date,  which  are  classified  as  non-current  assets.  Loans  and 
receivables  are  carried  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest  rate  method  less  provision  for 
impairment.

Investments available-for-sale
Other long-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are included within non-current assets 
unless management intends to dispose of the investment within 12 months of the reporting date. These 
investments are carried at fair value. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value 
of available-for-sale investments are recognised in other  comprehensive income in the period in which 
they  arise.  When  available-for-sale  investments  are  either  sold  or  impaired,  the  accumulated  fair  value 
adjustments are realised and included in profit or loss.

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss
These instruments, consisting of financial instruments held-for-trading and those designated at fair value 
through profit and loss at inception, are carried at fair value. Derivatives are also classified as held-for-
trading  unless  they  are  designated  as  hedges.  Realised  and  unrealised  gains  and  losses  arising  from 
changes  in  the  fair  value  of  these  financial  instruments  are  recognised  in  the  income  statement  in  the 
period in which they arise.

Impairment
At each reporting date the Group assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a 
group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only 
if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial 
recognition of the asset and that loss has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial 
asset that can be reliably estimated. 

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, evidence of impairment may include indications that the 
receivables or a group of receivables is experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency 
in  interest  or  principal  payments,  the  probability  that  they  will  enter  bankruptcy  or  other  financial 
reorganisation, and where observable data indicate that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated 
future  cash  flows,  such  as  changes  in  arrears  or  economic  conditions  that  correlate  with  defaults.  
The amount of the provision for impairment is the difference between the carrying amount of the asset 
and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. The 
movement in the provision is recognised in the income statement.

In the case of available-for-sale financial assets, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the 
asset below its cost is considered an indicator that the investments are impaired. If any such evidence 
exists  for  available-for-sale  financial  assets,  the  cumulative  loss  –  measured  as  the  difference  between 
the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously 
recognised in profit or loss – is removed from other comprehensive income and recognised in the income 
statement.

Impairment losses recognised in the income statement on equity instruments are not reversed through 
the income statement.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

155

2.
2.8

2.9

2.10

2.11

2.12

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the statement of financial position 
when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts, the legal enforceable right is 
not contingent of a future event and is enforceable in the normal course of business even in the event of 
default, bankruptcy and insolvency, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset 
and settle the liability simultaneously.

Inventories
Inventories  are  measured  at  the  lower  of  cost,  determined  on  the  weighted  average  method,  or  net 
realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less 
applicable variable selling expenses.

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, 
less provision for impairment. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there 
is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original 
terms  of  the  receivables.  The  amount  of  the  provision  is  the  difference  between  the  asset’s  carrying 
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows. The amount of the provision is recognised 
in the income statement.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of balances with banks and cash on hand and are classified as loans 
and receivables. Bank overdrafts are classified as financial liabilities at amortised cost and are disclosed as 
part of borrowings in current liabilities in the statement of financial position. 

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are 
subsequently measured at fair value. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on 
whether  the  derivative  is  designated  as  a  hedging  instrument,  and  if  so,  the  nature  of  the  item  being 
hedged. Hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognised liability or a highly probable forecast 
transaction is designated as a cash flow hedge. The Group uses interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges.

The Group documents, at inception of the transaction, the relationship between hedging instruments and 
hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging 
transactions. The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, 
of  whether  the  derivatives  that  are  used  in  hedging  transactions  are  highly  effective  in  offsetting  cash 
flows of hedged items.

The  fair  values  of  various  derivative  instruments  used  for  hedging  purposes  are  disclosed  in  note  20.  
The hedging reserve in shareholders' equity is shown in note 14. On the statement of financial position 
hedging derivatives are not classified based on whether the amount is expected to be recovered or settled 
within, or after, 12 months. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or 
liability when the remaining maturity of the hedge relationship is more than 12 months; it is classified as 
a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedge relationship is less than 12 months.

Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that is designated and qualifies as a cash 
flow  hedge  is  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income.  The  gain  or  loss  relating  to  the  ineffective 
portion is recognised immediately in the income statement.

Amounts  accumulated  in  other  comprehensive  income  are  recycled  to  the  income  statement  in  the 
periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss (for example, when the interest expense on hedged 
variable rate borrowings is recognised in profit and loss).

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge 
accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised 
when  the  forecast  transaction  is  ultimately  recognised  in  the  income  statement.  When  a  forecast 
transaction  is  no  longer  expected  to  occur,  the  cumulative  gain  or  loss  that  was  reported  in  equity  is 
immediately transferred to the income statement.

156

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.
2.13

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Shares in the Company held by wholly-owned Group companies 
are classified as treasury shares and are held at cost.

2.14

2.15

2.16

Incremental  costs  directly  attributable  to  the  issue  of  new  shares  or  options  are  shown  in  equity  as  a 
deduction from the proceeds, net of tax. 

Treasury shares
Treasury  shares  are  deducted  from  equity  until  the  shares  are  cancelled,  reissued  or  disposed  of.  No  
gains  or  losses  are  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  on  the  purchase,  sale,  issue  or  cancellation  of  treasury 
shares. All consideration paid or received for treasury shares is recognised directly in equity. 

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest rate method. Accounts payable is classified as current liabilities if payment 
is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are 
presented as non-current liabilities.

Borrowings
Borrowings  are  recognised  initially  at  fair  value,  net  of  transaction  costs  incurred.  Borrowings  are 
subsequently stated at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) 
and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using 
the effective interest rate method. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an 
unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date.

Borrowing  costs  are  expensed  when  incurred,  except  for  borrowing  costs  directly  attributable  to  the 
construction or acquisition of qualifying assets. Borrowing cost directly attributable to the construction 
or acquisition of qualifying assets is added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are 
substantially ready for their intended use. A qualifying asset is an asset that necessarily takes a substantial 
period of time to get ready for its intended use.

2.17

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation, as a result of 
past events, and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required 
to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.

Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using a pre-tax discount rate 
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

2.18

Current and deferred income tax
The  tax  expense  for  the  period  comprises  current  and  deferred  tax.  Tax  is  recognised  in  the  income 
statement,  except  to  the  extent  that  it  relates  to  items  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  or 
directly  in  equity.  In  this  case,  the  tax  is  also  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  or  directly  in 
equity, respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted 
at the reporting date in the countries where the Group and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable 
income.  Management  periodically  evaluates  positions  taken  in  tax  returns  with  respect  to  situations  in 
which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on 
the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between 
the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. 
However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; 
deferred  income  tax  is  not  accounted  for  if  it  arises  from  initial  recognition  of  an  asset  or  liability  in 
a  transaction  other  than  a  business  combination  that  at  the  time  of  the  transaction  affects  neither 
accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that 
have been enacted or substantially enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when the 
related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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157

2.
2.18

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Current and deferred income tax (continued)
Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit 
will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred  income  tax  is  provided  on  temporary  differences  arising  on  investments  in  subsidiaries  and 
associates, except for deferred income tax liabilities where the timing of the reversal  of  the  temporary 
difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in 
the foreseeable future.

Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset  when  there  is  a  legally  enforceable  right  to  offset 
current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities 
relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different 
taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

2.19
a)

Employee benefits
Retirement benefit costs
The  Group  provides  defined  benefit  and  defined  contribution  plans  for  the  benefit  of  employees,  the 
assets of which are held in separate trustee administered funds. These plans are funded by payments from 
the employees and the Group, taking into account recommendations of independent qualified actuaries.

Defined contribution plans
A  defined  contribution  plan  is  a  pension  plan  under  which  the  Group  pays  fixed  contributions  into  a 
separate entity. Each member’s fund value is directly linked to the contributions and the related investment 
returns. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to make further contributions if the fund does 
not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and 
prior periods. The contributions are recognised as employee benefit expense when they are due.

Defined benefit plans
This plan defines an amount of pension benefit an employee will receive on retirement, dependent on one 
or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. The liability recognised in the statement 
of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation 
is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value 
of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using 
interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits 
will be paid and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension obligation.

Actuarial  gains  and  losses  arising  from  experience  adjustments  and  changes  in  actuarial  assumptions 
are charged or credited to equity in other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. Past 
service costs are recognised immediately in the income statement. A net pension asset is recorded only 
to the extent that it does not exceed the present value of any economic benefit available in the form of 
reductions  in  future  contributions  to  the  plan,  and  any  unrecognised  actuarial  losses  and  past  service 
costs. The annual pension costs of the Group’s benefit plans are charged to the income statement.

Incurred interest costs/income on the defined benefit obligations are recognised as wages and salaries.

b)

Post-retirement medical benefits
Some  Group  companies  provide  for  post-retirement  medical  contributions  in  relation  to  current  and 
retired employees. The expected costs of these benefits are accounted for by using the projected unit 
credit method. Under this method, the expected costs of these benefits are accumulated over the service 
lives of the employees. Valuation of these obligations is carried out by independent qualified actuaries.  
All  actuarial  gains  and  losses  are  charged  or  credited  to  other  comprehensive  income  in  the  period  in 
which they arise.

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MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.
2.19
c)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Employee benefits (continued)
Equity-settled share-based compensation
The  Group  operates  a  equity-settled,  share-based  compensation  plan,  under  which  the  entity  receives 
services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (options) of the Company. The fair value 
of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense. 
The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted:

•  including any market performance conditions;
•  excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions; and
•  including the impact of any non-vesting conditions.

At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of options that are 
expected  to  vest  based  on  the  non-market  vesting  conditions  and  service  conditions.  It  recognises 
the  impact  of  the  revision  to  original  estimates,  if  any,  in  the  income  statement,  with  a  corresponding 
adjustment to equity.

Cash-settled share-based compensation
The Group operates cash-settled share-based compensation plans. The Group recognises the value of the 
services received (expense), and the liabilities to pay for those services, as the employees render service. 
The liabilities are measured, initially, and at each reporting date until settled, at the fair value appropriate to 
the scheme, taking into account the terms and conditions on which the rights were granted, and the extent 
to which the employees have rendered service to date, excluding the impact of any non-market-related 
vesting conditions. Non-market-related vesting conditions are included in the assumptions regarding the 
number  of  units  expected  to  vest.  These  assumptions  are  revised  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period.  
All changes to the fair value of the liability are recognised in the income statement.

Profit sharing and bonus plans
The  Group  recognises  a  liability  and  an  expense  where  a  contractual  obligation  exist  for  short-term 
incentives.  The  amounts  payable  to  employees  in  respect  of  the  short-term  incentive  schemes  are 
determined based on annual business performance targets. 

d)

e)

2.20 Revenue recognition

Revenues are measured at the fair value of the consideration that has been received or is to be received 
and  represent  the  amounts  that  can  be  received  for  services  in  the  regular  course  of  business  when 
the  significant  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  have  been  transferred  or  services  have  been  rendered. 
Discounts, sales taxes and other taxes associated with the revenues have to be deducted. 

Revenue primarily comprises fees charged for inpatient and outpatient hospital services. Services include 
charges for accommodation, theatre, medical professional services, equipment, radiology, laboratory and 
pharmaceutical goods used. Revenue is recorded and recognised during the period in which the hospital 
service is provided, based upon the amounts due from patients and/or medical funding entities. Fees are 
calculated and billed based on various tariff agreements with funders. 

Discounts  comprise  retrospective  volume  discounts  granted  to  certain  customers  on  attainment  of 
certain levels of purchases from the Group. These are accrued over the course of the arrangement based 
on estimates of the level of business expected and are adjusted at the end of the arrangement to reflect 
actual volumes. 

In Switzerland, medical services can on occasion be charged based on provisional tariffs as delays can 
occur in the agreement of tariffs between providers (including the Group) and funders. When tariffs have 
not yet been agreed, tariff provisions are recognised as adjustments in revenue to reflect any uncertainty 
about collectability of amounts invoiced. Revenue continues to be recognised in these circumstances as 
the Group has developed significant historical experience of continuing to collect revenue for delivered 
services  where  tariff  negotiations  have  not  concluded  with  all  relevant  authorities.  However,  a  tariff 
provision will be recorded when the Group identifies any uncertainty around collection of amounts invoiced 
for delivered services and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required, which can be reliably 
estimated. The provision is calculated on the basis of historical experience of outcomes to negotiations 
between providers and funders and this historical experience is subject to regular reassessment based on 
the actual outcome to tariff negotiations.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

159

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

2.
2.20 Revenue recognition (continued)

Other revenues earned are recognised on the following bases:

a)

b)

2.21

2.22

Interest income
Interest income is recognised on a time-proportioned basis using the effective interest rate method. 

Rental income
Rental income, which is insignificant, is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

With the exception of interest income, all the items above are presented as revenue.

Cost of sales
Cost  of  sales  consists  of  the  cost  of  inventories,  including  obsolete  stock,  which  have  been  expensed 
during the year, together with personnel costs and related overheads which are directly attributable to 
the provision of services.

Leased assets
Leases of property, equipment and vehicles where the Group assumes substantially all the benefits and risks 
of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the lease’s commencement 
at the lower of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. 
Each  lease  payment  is  allocated  between  the  liability  and  finance  charges  so  as  to  achieve  a  constant 
rate on the finance balance outstanding. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are 
included in borrowings. The interest element of the finance charges is charged to the income statement 
over the lease period. The property, equipment and vehicles acquired under finance leasing contracts are 
depreciated over the useful lives of the assets or the term of the lease agreement if shorter and transfer 
of ownership at the end of the lease period is uncertain.

Leases  where  the  lessor  retains  substantially  all  the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  are  classified  as 
operating leases.

Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the 
income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

2.23 Dividend distribution

Dividends are recorded in the Group's financial statements in the period in which they are approved by 
the Company's Board of Directors.

2.24 Foreign currency transactions

Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the respective Group entities’ functional currencies at 
exchange  rates  prevailing  at  the  date  of  the  transactions.  Foreign  exchange  gains  and  losses  resulting 
from  the  settlement  of  such  transactions  and  from  the  translation  of  monetary  assets  and  liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies at year end exchange rates, are recognised in the income statement 
(except when recognised in other comprehensive income as part of qualifying cash flow hedges).

Non-monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  that  are  measured  at  historical 
cost are translated using the exchange rate at the transaction date, and those measured at fair value are 
translated at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined. Exchange rate differences 
on non-monetary items are accounted for based on the classification of the underlying items.

Translation  differences  on  non-monetary  financial  assets  classified  as  available-for-sale,  are  included  in 
other comprehensive income. Foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the income statement 
within “Administration and other operating expenses”.

160

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

2.
2.24 Foreign currency transactions (continued)

Group entities
The results and financial position of all foreign operations that have a functional currency that is different 
from the Group’s presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows: 

•  Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date. 
•  Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates for  

the year.

•  All resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

On  consolidation  exchange  differences  arising  from  the  translation  of  the  net  investment  in  foreign 
operations are taken directly to other comprehensive income. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising 
on the acquisition of foreign operations are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and 
translated at closing rates at the reporting date.

2.25

Standards, interpretations and amendments
Published standards, amendments and interpretations effective for the 31 March 2017 financial 
period:
The following published standards, amendments and interpretations are mandatory for the accounting 
period beginning on or after 1 April 2016 and have been adopted:

•  IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 Investment entities (amendments) – Applying the consolidation exception
•  IFRS 11 (amendments) – Joint arrangements
•  IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts
•  IAS 1 (amendments) – Disclosure initiative
•  IAS 16 and IAS 38 (amendments) – Clarification of acceptable methods of depreciation and 

amortisation

•  IAS 16 and IAS 41 (amendments) – Agriculture: bearer plants
•  IAS 27 (amendment) – Equity method in separate financial statements
•  Annual improvements 2012 – 2014 cycle – Amendments and clarifications to existing IFRS standards

The implementation of these standards and amendments had no financial impact on the reported results 
or financial position of the Group.

Published standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective and not early adopted:
The  following  new  standards,  amendments  and  interpretations  are  expected  to  have  an  impact  on 
the  financial  statements  in  the  period  of  initial  application.  Based  on  initial  assessments,  management 
expects  the  new  standards  to  mainly  affect  presentation  and  disclosure  of  the  financial  statements, 
with the exception of IFRS 16: Leases which is expected to have a material impact and will be evaluated  
during 2018.

IFRS 9: Financial Instruments (1 January 2018)
The new standard improves and simplifies the approach for classification and measurement of financial 
assets  compared  with  the  requirements  of  IAS  39.  IFRS  9  applies  a  consistent  approach  to  classifying 
financial  assets  and  replaces  the  numerous  categories  of  financial  assets  in  IAS  39,  each  of  which  had 
its  own  classification  criteria.  IFRS  9  also  results  in  one  impairment  method,  replacing  the  numerous 
impairment methods in IAS 39 that arise from the different classification categories.

IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (1 January 2018)
The new standard requires companies to recognise revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to 
customers, that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for 
those goods or services. The new standard will also result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, and 
provides  guidance  for  transactions  that  were  not  previously  addressed  comprehensively  and  improves 
guidance for multiple-element arrangements. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

161

2.
2.25

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 
Standards, interpretations and amendments (continued)
Published standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective and not early adopted: 
(continued)
IFRS 16: Leases (1 January 2019)
The  new  standard  addresses  the  definition  of  a  lease,  recognition  and  measurement  of  leases  and 
establishes principles for reporting useful information to users of financial statements about the leasing 
activities  of  both  lessees  and  lessors.  A  key  change  arising  from  IFRS  16  is  that  most  operating  leases 
will  be  accounted  for  on  balance  sheet  for  lessees.  The  standard  replaces  IAS  17  ‘Leases',  and  related 
interpretations.

3.
3.1

a)

The following new accounting standards, interpretations and amendments will have no material impact 
on the financial statements:

•  IAS 7 (amendment) – Disclosure initiative (1 January 2017)
•  IAS 12 (amendment) – Recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses (1 January 2017)
•  IFRS 2 (amendment) – Classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions  

(1 January 2018)

•  IFRS 4 – Clarification on the implementation approach together with IFRS 9 (1 January 2018)
•  IAS 40 – Transfers of investment property (1 January 2018)
•  IFRIC 22 – Foreign currency transactions and advance consideration (1 January 2018)
•  Annual improvements 2014 – 2016 cycle – Amendments and clarifications to existing IFRS standards 

(1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018)

•  IFRS 10 and IAS 28 (amendments) – Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its 

associate or joint venture (postponed)

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Financial risk factors
In respect of the Group's financial instruments, normal business activities expose the Group to a variety 
of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk), credit risk and 
liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme seeks to minimise potential adverse effects 
on the Group’s financial performance. 

Market risk
i) Currency risk
Investments in foreign operations
The  Group  has  investments  in  foreign  operations,  whose  net  assets  are  exposed  to  foreign  currency 
translation risk. Currency exposure arising from the net assets of the Group’s foreign operations is managed 
primarily  through  borrowings  denominated  in  the  relevant  foreign  currencies.  Changes  in  the  pound/
Swiss franc, pound/UAE dirham and pound/South African rand exchange rate over a period of time result 
in increased/decreased earnings. Other than the Group's earnings and payment of dividends which are 
presented and declared in pound and thus exposed to currency risk, the Group is not significantly exposed 
to  currency  risk  since  the  operating  platforms  predominantly  operates  in  its  local  currency  (including  
its debt).

In  the  case  of  corporate  offshore  transactions  and  or  cross-border  business  combinations,  generally 
forward cover contracts are considered or taken out to minimize foreign currency risk. Currently there are 
no forward cover contracts in place.

The impact of a 10% change in the pound/Swiss franc, pound/South African rand and the pound/UAE 
dirham exchange rates for a sustained period of one year is:

•  profit for the period would increase/decrease by £14m (31 March 2016: increase/decrease by £11m) 

due to exposure to the GBP/Swiss franc exchange rate;

•  profit for the period would increase/decrease by £2m (31 March 2016: increase/decrease by £6m)  

due to exposure to the GBP/UAE dirham exchange rate; 

•  profit for the period would increase/decrease by £8m (31 March 2016: increase/decrease by £7m)  

due to exposure to the GBP/South African Rand exchange rate; 

162

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.
3.1
a)

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Financial risk factors (continued)
Market risk (continued)
i) Currency risk (continued)
Investments in foreign operations (continued)
•  foreign currency translation reserve would increase/decrease by £196m (2016: increase/decrease  

by £112m) due to exposure to the GBP/Swiss franc exchange rate;

•  foreign currency translation reserve would increase/decrease by £154m (2016: increase/decrease  

by £24m) due to exposure to the GBP/UAE dirham exchange rate; and

•  foreign currency translation reserve would increase/decrease by £6m (2016: increase/decrease  

by £12m) due to exposure to the GBP/South African rand exchange rate.

ii) Interest rate risk
The Group’s interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings as well as short-term deposits. Borrowings 
and short-term deposits issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk. Interest 
rate derivatives expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. Group policy is to maintain an appropriate 
mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings and placings.

The Group manages its interest rate risk by using floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps. Such interest rate 
swaps have the economic effect of converting borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates. Generally, the 
Group raises long-term borrowings at floating rates and swaps them into fixed rates. Under the interest 
rate swaps, the Group agrees with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals (primarily quarterly), 
the difference between fixed contract rates and floating-rate interest amounts calculated by reference to 
the agreed notional amounts.

In respect of financial assets, interest rate risk is managed by using approved counterparties that offer 
the best rates.

With the interest rate swap agreements the Group entered into to mitigate interest rate risk, the Group did 
not consider there to be a significant concentration of interest rate risk.

Interest rate sensitivity
The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for both 
derivative and non-derivative instruments at the reporting date and the stipulated change taking place 
at the beginning of the financial year and held constant throughout the reporting period in the case of 
instruments that have floating rates. If interest rates had been 25 basis points higher/lower and all other 
variables were held constant, the Group’s: 

•  profit for the period would increase/decrease by £3m (2016: increase/decrease by £3m). This is 
mainly attributable to the Group’s exposure to interest rates on its unhedged variable rate  
borrowings and cash.

iii) Other price risk
The Group is not materially exposed to commodity or any other price risk.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

163

3.
3.1
b)

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Financial risk factors (continued)
Credit risk
Financial  assets  that  potentially  subject  the  Group  to  concentrations  of  credit  risk  consist  principally 
of  cash,  short-term  deposits  and  trade  and  other  receivables  and  derivative  financial  contracts.  
The Group's cash equivalents and short-term deposits, are placed with quality financial institutions with 
a  high  credit  rating.  Trade  receivables  are  represented  net  of  the  allowance  for  doubtful  receivables. 
Credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the large number of customers comprising 
the  Group's  customer  base,  which  consists  mainly  of  medical  schemes  and  insurance  companies.  The 
financial condition of these clients in relation to their credit standing is evaluated on an ongoing basis. 
Medical schemes and insurance companies are forced to maintain minimum reserve levels. The policy for 
patients that do not have a medical scheme or an insurance company paying for the Group's service, is to 
require a preliminary payment instead. The Group does not have any significant exposure to any individual 
customer or counterparty.

The  Group  is  exposed  to  credit-related  losses  in  the  event  of  non-performance  by  counterparties  to 
hedging  instruments.  The  counterparties  to  these  contracts  are  major  financial  institutions.  The  Group 
monitors its positions and limits the extent to which it enters into contracts with any one party.

The  carrying  amounts  of  financial  assets  included  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  represents  the 
Group's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to these assets. At 31 March 2016 and 31 March 2017, 
the Group did not consider there to be a significant concentration of credit risk.

c)

Liquidity risk 
The Group manages liquidity risk by monitoring cash flow forecasts to ensure that it has sufficient cash to 
meet operational needs, while maintaining sufficient headroom on its undrawn borrowing facilities at all 
times so that the Group does not breach borrowing limits or covenants (where applicable) on any of its 
borrowing facilities. Given that the Group has bank facilities in place which expires during 2019/2020, the 
Group did not consider there to be a significant concentration of liquidity risk.

The Group’s unused overdraft facilities are:

GROUP

2017
£’m
95

2016
£’m
88

 
164

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.
3.1
c)

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Financial risk factors (continued)
Liquidity risk (continued)
The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities. The table 
has been drawn up based on the undiscounted  cash  flows  of  financial liabilities based on the required 
date of repayment. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows. The analysis of derivative 
financial instruments has been drawn up based on undiscounted net cash inflows/(outflows) that settle 
on a net basis.

Financial liabilities
31 March 2017
Borrowings
Derivative financial  
instruments
Trade payables
Other payables and  
accrued expenses
31 March 2016
Borrowings
Derivative financial  
instruments
Trade payables
Other payables and  
accrued expenses

Carrying
value

Contractual
cash flows
£’m

0 – 12
months
£’m 

2 030 

2 279 

9 
227 

167 

9 
227 

167 

1 841 

2 025 

20 
200 

169 

20 
200 

169 

153 

7 
227

167 

358 

8 
200 

169 

1 – 5
years
£’m 

2 048 

2 
– 

– 

1 597 

12 
– 

– 

Beyond 5
years
£’m

78 

– 
– 

– 

70 

– 
– 

– 

3.2

Capital management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going 
concern  while  maximising  the  return  to  stakeholders  through  the  optimisation  of  the  debt  and  equity 
balance.  The  capital  structure  of  the  Group  consists  of  debt,  which  includes  the  borrowings  disclosed 
in note 17, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising 
issued capital, retained earnings and other reserves and non-controlling interest as disclosed in notes 13, 
14 and 16 respectively. The Group’s Audit and Risk Committee reviews the going concern status and capital 
structure of the Group annually. The Group balances its overall capital structure through the payment of 
dividends,  new  share  issues  and  share  buy-backs  as  well  as  the  issue  of  new  debt  or  the  redemption 
of  existing  debt.  The  Group’s  dividend  policy  is  to  target  a  pay-out  ratio  of  between  25%  and  30%  of 
underlying earnings. The Board may revise the policy at its discretion. The debt-to-adjusted capital ratios 
at 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2016 were as follows:

Borrowings
Less: cash and cash equivalents
Net debt
Total equity
Debt-to-equity capital ratio

GROUP

2017
£’m
2 030
(361)
1 669
4 164
0.4

2016
£’m
1 841
(305)
 1 536
3 570
0.4

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

165

4.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
The  Group  makes  estimates  and  assumptions  concerning  the  future.  Although  these  estimates  and 
assumptions are based on management's best information regarding current circumstances and future 
events,  actual  results  may  differ.  The  estimates  and  assumptions  that  have  a  risk  of  causing  a  material 
adjustment  to  the  carrying  amounts  of  certain  assets  and  liabilities  within  the  next  financial  year  are 
discussed below.

Critical accounting judgements
•  Level at which management monitors goodwill for impairment testing (refer to note 7)
•  Estimation of the indefinite useful life of the Swiss trade names (refer to note 7)
•  Deferred tax on unremitted earnings (refer to note 10)
•  Estimation of useful lives of property, equipment and vehicles (refer to note 6)

Key estimates
•  Impairment of goodwill and indefinite useful life intangible assets (refer to note 7)
•  Impairment of equity-accounted investments (refer to note 8)
•  Recognition of deferred tax assets arising from tax losses (refer to note 10)
•  Retirement benefits (refer to note 18)
•  Purchase price allocation assessments (refer to note 8.1 and note 29)

166

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.

SEGMENTAL REPORT
The  reportable  operating  segments  are  identified  as  follows:  Mediclinic  Southern  Africa,  Mediclinic 
Switzerland,  and  Mediclinic  Middle  East  and  additional  segments  are  shown  for  the  United  Kingdom  
and Corporate. 

Reportable operating segments

Other

Southern
 Africa
£’m

Switzerland
£’m

Middle
East
£’m

United
Kingdom
£’m

Corporate
£’m

Total
£’m

Year ended  
31 March 2017
Revenue

 780 

 1 321 

 648 

EBITDA

165 

277 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

12 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
12 

459 

– 
– 

– 

(4)

 2 749 

509 

(14)

509 

10 

(3)

– 
(7)

– 
– 

(6)
10

(16) 
–
(13)

– 

– 
– 

– 

(2)

(145)
 362 

12 
7 

(74)
(74)

–
(64)
243 

461 

4 
249 

71 

74 

(3)

1 

(44)
 28 

– 
– 

(7)
(7)

– 
– 
21 

– 

– 
51 

170 

279 

(5)

– 

(25)
 140 

– 
7 

(33)
(33)

– 
(32)
82 

– 

4 
70 

(2)

– 

(76)
 201 

– 
– 

(28)
(44)

16 
(32)
141 

2 

– 
128 

676 

4 258 

1 987 

459 

42 

7 422 

650 

650 

2 235 

3 140 

– 

(905)

372 

372 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1 

1 

– 

3 258 

4 163 

(905)

EBITDA before  
management fee
Management fees 
included in EBITDA
Other gains and 
losses 
Depreciation and 
amortisation
Operating profit
Income from  
associate
Finance income
Finance cost  
(excluding 
intersegment loan 
interest)
Total finance cost
Elimination of 
intersegment loan 
interest
Taxation
Segment result

At 31 March 2017
Investments in 
associates
Investments in joint 
venture
Capital expenditure
Total segment 
assets
Total segment 
liabilities (excluding 
intersegment loan)
Total liabilities from 
reportable segment
Elimination of 
intersegment loan

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

167

5.

SEGMENTAL REPORT (continued)

Reportable operating segments

Other

Southern
 Africa
£’m

Switzerland
£’m

Middle
East
£’m

United
Kingdom
£’m

Corporate
£’m

Total
£’m

Year ended  
31 March 2016
Revenue

 649 

 1 130 

 328 

EBITDA

129 

229 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
–

6 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
6 

451 

– 
– 

68 

70 

(2)

– 

(10)
 58 

– 
– 

(2)
(2)

– 
– 
56 

– 

– 
36 

133 

230 

(4)

– 

(20)
 109 

– 
8 

(21)
(21)

– 
(31)
65 

– 

3 
52 

(1)

– 

(63)
 166 

– 
1 

(29)
(46)

17 
(24)
114 

1 

– 
98 

485 

3 809 

1 800 

451 

370 

370 

2 094 

2 940 

– 

(846)

243 

243 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2 107 

(44)

382 

(51)

382 

7 

(1)

– 
(45)

– 
– 

(6)
11

(17)
–
(51)

– 

– 
– 

4 

272 

272 

– 

(1)

(93)
 288 

6 
9 

(58)
(58)

–
(55)
190 

452 

3 
186 

6 549 

2 979 

3 825 

– 

(846)

EBITDA before 
management fee
Management fees 
included in EBITDA
Other gains and 
losses 
Depreciation and 
amortisation
Operating profit
Income from 
associate
Finance income
Finance cost 
(excluding 
intersegment loan 
interest)
Total finance cost
Elimination of 
intersegment  
loan interest
Taxation
Segment result

At 31 March 2016
Investments in 
associates
Investments in joint 
venture
Capital expenditure
Total segment 
assets
Total segment 
liabilities (excluding 
intersegment loan)
Total liabilities from 
reportable segment
Elimination of 
intersegment loan

168

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.

SEGMENTAL REPORT (continued)
The total non-current assets, excluding financial instruments  
and deferred tax assets per geographical location, are:

Southern Africa
Middle East
Switzerland
United Kingdom

ENTITY-WIDE DISCLOSURES
Revenue
From UK
From foreign countries

Revenues from external customers are primarily from hospital services.

The total non-current assets, excluding financial instruments  
and deferred tax assets 
From UK
From foreign countries

6.

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES
Land – cost
Buildings
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Land and buildings
Capital expenditure in progress
Equipment

Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Furniture and vehicles

Cost
Accumulated depreciation

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

453 
1 712 
3 700 
459 

322 
1 526 
3 302 
451 

– 
2 749 

– 
2 107 

459 
5 865 

451 
5 136 

911 
2 294 
2 512 
(218)

3 205 
113
328 
795 
(467)
57 
218 
(161)

3 703 

819 
1 952 
2 119 
(167)

2 771 
131
251 
610 
(359)
46 
169 
(123)

3 199 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

169

6.

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES (continued)

Net book value at 1 April 2015
Additions
Depreciation
Business combinations
Prior year capital expenditure 
completed
Exchange differences
Net book value at 31 March 2016
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Prior year capital expenditure 
completed
Disposal of subsidiaries
Transfer to assets held for sale
Exchange differences
Net book value at 31 March 2017

Total additions

To maintain operations
To expand operations

Land and
buildings
£’m
2 647 
40 
(25)
15 

Capital
expenditure
in progress
£’m
99 
47 
– 
16 

Equipment
£’m
200 
71 
(41)
25 

Furniture
and vehicles
£’m
39 
19 
(18)
5 

18 
76 
2 771 
57 
– 
(37)

96 
(5)
(3)
326 
3 205 

(18)
(13)
131 
77 
– 
– 

(118)
– 
(3)
26 
113 

– 
(4)
251 
83 
– 
(60)

18 
(5)
(2)
43 
328 

– 
1 
46 
22 
– 
(22)

4 
– 
– 
7 
57 

2017
£’m
239 
105 
134 

Total
£’m
2 985 
177 
(84)
61 

– 
60 
3 199 
239 
– 
(119)

– 
(10)
(8)
402 
3 703 

2016
£’m
177 
63 
114 

Property, equipment and vehicles with a book value of £2 730m (2016: £2 508m) are encumbered as 
security for borrowings (see note 17).

Included in equipment is capitalised finance lease equipment with a book value of £1m (2016: £1m).

Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The estimation of the useful lives of property, equipment and vehicles is based on historical performance 
as well as expectations about future use and therefore requires a significant degree of judgement to be 
applied  by  management.  Rates  of  depreciation  represent  management’s  current  best  estimate  of  the 
useful lives and residual values of the assets.

For a private hospital it is fundamentally important that the earnings potential of a building is maintained 
on a permanent basis. The Group therefore follows a structured maintenance programme with regard to 
hospital buildings with the specific goal to prolong the useful lifetime of these buildings.

170

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill1
Cost
Accumulated impairment

Trade names

Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Computer software

Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Lease
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment

GROUP

2017
£’m

1 715 
1 715 
– 

377 
399 
(22)

38 
73 
(35)

26 
27 
(1)

2016
£’m

1 532 
1 532 
– 

354 
358 
(4)

31 
54 
(23)

24 
24 
– 

2 156 

1 941 

Net book value at 1 April 2015
Additions
Amortisation
Business combinations
Exchange differences
Net book value at 31 March 2016 
(restated)1
Additions
Amortisation 
Disposal of subsidiaries
Exchange differences
Net book value at 31 March 2017

Goodwill1
£’m
309 
– 
– 
1 203 
20 

1 532 
– 
– 
(33)
216 
1 715 

Trade
names
£’m
312 
– 
(2)
33 
11 

Computer
software
£’m
21 
9 
(7)
8 
– 

354 
– 
(16)
– 
39 
377 

31 
12 
(9)
– 
4 
38 

Lease2
£’m
– 
– 
– 
24 
– 

24 
– 
(1)
– 
3 
26 

Total
£’m
642 
9 
(9)
1 268 
31 

1 941 
12 
(26)
(33)
262 
2 156 

1 

2 

 Restated following the finalisation of the Al Noor acquisition (see note 29)
 Relates to favourable lease contracts on buildings. The leases are characterised by fixed annual rent with no annual 
rent escalations for most part of the contract.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The Group tests annually whether goodwill and the indefinite useful life intangible asset, resulting from 
the Al Noor and Hirslanden acquisitions, have suffered any impairment. The recoverable amounts of cash-
generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the 
use of estimates in respect of growth and discount rates and it assumes a stable regulatory environment. 
Regulatory environments are subject to uncertainties that can have an impact on the recoverability of the 
goodwill and the intangible asset’s recoverable amount. 

IFRS  requires  the  impairment  assessment  to  be  performed  at  the  level  at  which  goodwill  is  monitored 
for impairment by management, provided that this level cannot be bigger than an operating segment. 
Management  assesses  goodwill  at  a  Hirslanden  and  Mediclinic  Middle  East  platform  level.  This  means 
that  for  the  Mediclinic  Middle  East  platform,  recoverability  of  goodwill  is  assessed  by  reference  to  the 
aggregated  cash  flows  of  the  legacy  Middle  East  and  Al  Noor  businesses.  The  Mediclinic  Middle  East 
goodwill originated mainly from the Al Noor business combination with a portion originating from other 
UAE  business  combinations  The  initial  commercial  rationale  for  the  acquisition  of  Al  Noor  included 
expected  synergies  from  integrating  the  legacy  Al  Noor  business  with  the  legacy  MCME  business  that 
would be realised across the combined Middle East platform. In accordance with IFRS, goodwill shall be 
allocated to all CGUS, or groups of CGUS, that are expected to benefit from the expected synergies.

The estimation of the indefinite useful life of the Hirslanden trade names is based on the expectation that 
there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net cash flows for 
the Group. This expectation requires a significant degree of management judgement.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

171

7.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (continued)
Impairment testing of significant goodwill balances and indefinite useful life trade name
The  carrying  amounts  of  significant  goodwill  and  indefinite  life  trade  names  are  considered  annually 
for impairment testing. The impairment tests are based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations 
use  cash  flow  projections  based  on  financial  budgets  covering  a  five-year  period.  The  discount  rates 
used reflect specific risks related to the hospital industry. These calculations indicate that there was no 
impairment in the carrying value of goodwill balances and the Hirslanden trade name.

Carrying amount of Mediclinic Middle East goodwill
Carrying amount of Hirslanden goodwill
Carrying amount of Hirslanden indefinite life trade names

GROUP

2017
£’m
1 401 
307 
341 

2016
£’m
1 197 
278 
309 

Impairment testing of Mediclinic Middle East goodwill
The  Mediclinic  Middle  East  goodwill  originated  mainly  from  the  Al  Noor  business  combination  with  a 
portion  originating  from  other  UAE  business  combinations.  Key  assumptions  used  for  the  value-in-use 
calculations for the annual impairment testing were as follows:

Future earnings is based on budgets and forecasts that is calculated on a per hospital basis. These budgets 
and forecasts represent management’s best view of future admissions, tariffs and patient mix and include 
savings relating to operational and capital expenditures. 

Discount rates – discount rates reflect management’s estimate of the time value and the risks associated 
with  the  Middle  East  business.  The  weighted  average  cost  of  capital  (WACC)  has  been  determined  by 
considering  the  respective  debt  and  equity  costs  and  ratios.  The  discount  rate  applied  to  cash  flow 
projections is 7.8% (2016: 7.8%).

Growth rates – growth rates are based on budgeted figures and management’s estimates. The estimated 
figures  assume  a  stable  regulatory  and  tariff  environment.  Cash  flows  beyond  the  five-year  period  are 
extrapolated using a 2.5% (2016: 2.5%) growth rate.

Sensitivity  analysis  –  the  recoverable  amount  calculated  based  on  value-in-use  exceeded  the  carrying 
value by approximately £259m (2016: £294m). A fall in growth rate to 1.6% (2016: 1.9%) or a rise in discount 
rate to 8.5% (2016: 8.3%) would reduce the headroom to nil.

Impairment testing of Hirslanden goodwill and indefinite life trade names
Key assumptions used for the value-in-use calculations for the annual impairment testing were as follows:

Future earnings is based on budgets and forecasts that is calculated on a per hospital basis. These budgets 
and forecasts represent management’s best view of future admissions, tariffs and patient mix and include 
savings relating to operational and capital expenditures. 

Discount rates – discount rates reflect management’s estimate of the time value and the risks associated 
with  the  Hirslanden  business.  The  weighted  average  cost  of  capital  (WACC)  has  been  determined  by 
considering  the  respective  debt  and  equity  costs  and  ratios.  The  discount  rate  applied  to  cash  flow 
projections is 4.7% (2016: 4.7%).

Growth rates – growth rates are based on budgeted figures and management’s estimates. The estimated 
figures  assume  a  stable  regulatory  and  tariff  environment.  Cash  flows  beyond  the  five-year  period  are 
extrapolated using a 1.6% (2016: 1.6%) growth rate.

Sensitivity analysis – for the goodwill, the recoverable amount calculated based on value-in-use exceeded 
the carrying value by approximately £1 073m (2016: £1 212m). A fall in growth rate to 0.5% (2016: 0.3%) or 
a rise in discount rate to 5.6% (2016: 5.8%) would reduce the headroom to nil.

172

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (continued)
Al Noor trade name
On 15 February 2016, an intangible asset relating to the Al Noor trade name of £33m was recognised as 
part of the acquisition of Al Noor. The useful life of the asset was determined to be five years. Up until 
the end of February 2017, £7m of the trade name has been amortised. Following the announcement on  
21 February 2017 regarding the rebranding of all Al Noor facilities to Mediclinic, the carrying value and 
the useful economic life of the trade name recognised were reassessed. The rebranding of all the Al Noor 
hospitals and clinics will be complete by the end of the next financial year and the majority of these will 
be rebranded before 30 June 2017 given that the carrying value of the trade name asset continued to be 
supportable. Accelerated amortisation of £7m was recognised in March 2017 and the remainder of the 
balance will be amortised in the next financial year. The total amortisation recognised in the 2017 financial 
year relating to the Al Noor trade name amounted to £14m.

8.

EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS

Investment in associates
Investment in joint venture

8.1

Investment in associates

Listed investments
Unlisted investments

Reconciliation of carrying value at the beginning and end of the period

Opening balance
Total cost of equity investment (note 30)
Additional investment in unlisted associate
Share of net profit of associated companies
Dividends received from associated companies

Set out below are details of the associate which is material to the Group:   

Name of entity

Spire Healthcare Group plc

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

461 
4 
465 

459 
2 
461 

452 
– 
1 
12 
(4)
461 

452 
3 
455 

451 
1 
452 

1 
447 
– 
6 
(2)
452 

Country of
 incorpo-
ration and
place of
business
United 
Kingdom

%
ownership

29.9%

Spire  Healthcare  Group  plc  is  listed  on  the  London  Stock  Exchange.  It  does  not  issue  publicly  
available  quarterly  financial  information  and  has  a  December  year-end.  The  associate  was  acquired 
on  24  August  2015.  The  investment  in  associate  was  equity  accounted  for  the  12  months  to  
31  December  2016  (2016:  4  months  to  31  December  2015).  No  significant  events  occurred  since  
1 January 2017 to the reporting date. 

During  the  current  year  the  notional  purchase  price  allocation  was  finalised  and  non-contractual 
relationships  with  consultants  (NCRC)  were  identified  as  the  only  significant  intangible  asset.  The 
fair  value  of  the  total  NCRC  asset  was  determined  as  £225m  and  the  remaining  useful  life  was 
assessed as 22 years. The Group’s 29.9% portion of the asset amounts to £68m. The NCRC intangible 
asset  will  be  amortised  over  its  useful  life  and  the  carrying  value  is  included  within  the  purchase 
adjustment figure below. The amortisation charge for the current period is £4m (2016: £nil).

 
7.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (continued)

Al Noor trade name

On 15 February 2016, an intangible asset relating to the Al Noor trade name of £33m was recognised as 

part of the acquisition of Al Noor. The useful life of the asset was determined to be five years. Up until 

the end of February 2017, £7m of the trade name has been amortised. Following the announcement on  

21 February 2017 regarding the rebranding of all Al Noor facilities to Mediclinic, the carrying value and 

the useful economic life of the trade name recognised were reassessed. The rebranding of all the Al Noor 

hospitals and clinics will be complete by the end of the next financial year and the majority of these will 

be rebranded before 30 June 2017 given that the carrying value of the trade name asset continued to be 

supportable. Accelerated amortisation of £7m was recognised in March 2017 and the remainder of the 

balance will be amortised in the next financial year. The total amortisation recognised in the 2017 financial 

year relating to the Al Noor trade name amounted to £14m.

8.

EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS

Investment in associates

Investment in joint venture

8.1

Investment in associates

Listed investments

Unlisted investments

Reconciliation of carrying value at the beginning and end of the period

Opening balance

Total cost of equity investment (note 30)

Additional investment in unlisted associate

Share of net profit of associated companies

Dividends received from associated companies

Set out below are details of the associate which is material to the Group:   

GROUP

2017

£’m

2016

£’m

461 

4 

465 

459 

2 

461 

452 

– 

1 

12 

(4)

461 

452 

3 

455 

451 

1 

452 

447 

1 

– 

6 

(2)

452 

Country of

 incorpo-

ration and

place of

business

United 

Kingdom

%

ownership

29.9%

Name of entity

Spire Healthcare Group plc

Spire  Healthcare  Group  plc  is  listed  on  the  London  Stock  Exchange.  It  does  not  issue  publicly  

available  quarterly  financial  information  and  has  a  December  year-end.  The  associate  was  acquired 

on  24  August  2015.  The  investment  in  associate  was  equity  accounted  for  the  12  months  to  

31  December  2016  (2016:  4  months  to  31  December  2015).  No  significant  events  occurred  since  

1 January 2017 to the reporting date. 

During  the  current  year  the  notional  purchase  price  allocation  was  finalised  and  non-contractual 

relationships  with  consultants  (NCRC)  were  identified  as  the  only  significant  intangible  asset.  The 

fair  value  of  the  total  NCRC  asset  was  determined  as  £225m  and  the  remaining  useful  life  was 

assessed as 22 years. The Group’s 29.9% portion of the asset amounts to £68m. The NCRC intangible 

asset  will  be  amortised  over  its  useful  life  and  the  carrying  value  is  included  within  the  purchase 

adjustment figure below. The amortisation charge for the current period is £4m (2016: £nil).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

173

8.
8.1

EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS
Investment in associates
Summarised financial information in respect of the Group’s material associate is set out below.

Summarised statement of financial position
Current assets
Non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets

Mediclinic's effective interest
Mediclinic's effective interest in net assets
Purchase adjustment
Total carrying value of equity investment

As at 
31
December
2016
£’m

As at
31
December
2015
£’m

215 
1 509 
1 724 
(122)
(567)
1 035 

29.9%
310 
149 
459 

242 
1 415 
1 657 
(113)
(547)
998 

29.9%
298 
153 
451 

Market value of listed investment at 31 March 2017

389 

431 

Although the market value of the investment is below the carrying value 
at 31 March 2017, management has concluded that no impairment exists.  
An impairment test was performed with the following key assumptions 
used for the value-in-use calculation:

Discount rates – discount rates reflect management’s estimate of the 
time value and the risks associated with Spire's business. The weighted 
average cost of capital (WACC) has been determined by considering the 
respective debt and equity costs and ratios. The discount rate applied to 
cash flow projections is 6.3%.

Growth rates – growth rates are based on budgeted figures and 
management’s estimates. The estimated figures assume a stable 
regulatory and tariff environment. Cash flows beyond the five-year  
period are extrapolated using a 2.5% growth rate.

Sensitivity analysis – a fall in growth rate to 2.4% or a rise in discount rate 
to 6.4% would remove any headroom.

Summarised statement of comprehensive income

Revenue
Profit from continuing operations
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income

Refer to the Annexure for further details of investments in associates.

926 
54 
– 
54 

885 
60 
– 
60 

 
 
174

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8.
8.1

EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS (continued)
Investment in associates (continued)
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

During the prior financial year, the Group acquired 29.9% of Spire Healthcare Group plc and recognised 
this investment as an investment in an associate. At the date of acquisition a provisional notional purchase 
price allocation assessment did not identify any significant intangible assets other than goodwill. During 
the finalisation of the notional purchase price allocation, NCRC was identified as a material intangible 
asset.  An  independent  valuer  was  used  to  assist  in  the  identification  and  valuation  of  the  NCRC.  
The  NCRC  acquired  was  valued  and  measured  by  using  the  Multi  Period  Excess  Earnings  Method.  
The  valuation  of  NCRC  used  assumptions  relating  to  future  cash  flows  and  discount  rates  which  are 
based on forecasts and are therefore inherently judgemental.

The  Group  tests  whether  equity-accounted  investments  have  suffered  any  impairment  when  a 
triggering event occurs, in this case the carrying value of the listed investment exceeds its market value.  
The  value-in-use  calculation  of  the  investment  is  based  on  a  discounted  cash  flow  model.  These 
calculations require the use of estimates in respect of growth and discount rates and it assumes a stable 
regulatory environment. 

8.2

Investment in joint venture
Unlisted

Carrying value of investment in joint venture

Opening balance
Share in current year losses*
Exchange differences

* Amount is less than £1m.

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

3 
– 
1 
4 

4 
– 
(1)
3 

The  Group  has  a  49.9%  interest  in  Wits  University  Donald  Gordon  Medical  Centre  (Pty)  Limited. 
The  joint  venture  is  accounted  for  by  using  its  financial  information  for  the  twelve  months  ended   
31 December 2016 (2016: 31 December 2015) since it has a different year-end.

Details of the joint venture appear in the Annexure.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

175

9.

OTHER INVESTMENTS AND LOANS
Unlisted – no active market
Loans and receivables*
Available-for-sale: Shares
Other receivables**
Short-term deposits***

Non-current
Current
Total other investments and loans

Other investments and loans are held in the following currencies:
Swiss franc
South African rand
UAE dirham

* 

 Supported by the underlying business’ financial position, the credit quality of the 
loans is considered satisfactory.

**  The other receivables relates to prepaid lease agreements in the UAE.
***  This relates to fixed deposits in the UAE, the maturity date of these deposits are 

during July 2017.

10.

DEFERRED TAX
The movement on the deferred tax account is as follows:

Opening balance
Income statement charge for the year 
Provision for the year
Previously unused tax losses recognised

Exchange differences
Charged to other comprehensive income 
Balance at the end of the year

Deferred income tax assets
Deferred income tax liabilities

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

5 
2 
1 
16 
24 

8 
16 
24 

2 
5 
17 
24 

430 
21 
24 
(3)

46 
9 
506 

(21)
527 
506 

3 
1 
2 
– 
6 

6 
– 
6 

1 
3 
2 
6 

412 
13 
13 
– 

18 
(13)
430 

(16)
446 
430 

The deferred tax relating to current assets and current liabilities contain temporary differences that are 
most likely to realise in the next twelve months.

176

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10.

DEFERRED TAX (continued)

The  deferred  tax  balance  is  comprised  of  temporary  differences  arising  in  separate  legal  entities. 
Offsetting has been applied on a legal entity basis. The table below shows the deferred tax balances 
and movements in the various categories before offsetting was applied:

Tangible
assets
£’m

Intangible
assets
£’m

Current
assets
£’m

Provisions
and others
£’m

Total
£’m

Deferred tax liabilities

At 1 April 2015
Charged to the income statement
Exchange differences
At 31 March 2016
Set-off of deferred tax liabilities 
pursuant to set-off provisions
Net deferred tax liabilties at the 
end of the year

At 1 April 2016
Charged/(credited) to the 
income statement
Exchange differences
At 31 March 2017
Set-off of deferred tax liabilities 
pursuant to set-off provisions
Net deferred tax liabilties at the 
end of the year

392 
1 
16 
409 

409 

3 
43 
455 

71 
– 
2 
73 

73 

– 
7 
80 

6 
– 
– 
6 

6 

– 
1 
7 

9 
5 
1 
15 

15 

(1)
2 
16 

478 
6 
19 
503 

57 

446 

503 

2 
53 
558 

31 

527 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

177

10.

DEFERRED TAX (continued)

Current
assets
£’m

Provisions
and others
£’m

Long term
liabilities

Derivatives
£’m

Tax losses
carried 
forward
£’m

Total
£’m

Deferred tax assets

At 1 April 2015
Charged/(credited) to the 
income statement
Credited to other 
comprehensive income
Exchange differences
At 31 March 2016
Set-off of deferred tax 
assets pursuant to set-off 
provisions
Net deferred tax assets at 
the end of the year

At 1 April 2016
Charged to the  
income statement
Charged to other 
comprehensive income
Exchange differences
At 31 March 2017
Set-off of deferred tax 
assets pursuant to set-off 
provisions
Net deferred tax assets at 
the end of the year

(2)

– 

– 
– 
(2)

(2)

– 

– 
– 
(2)

(8)

1 

– 
– 
(7)

(7)

– 

– 
– 
(7)

(16)

(1)

(13)
(1)
(31)

(31)

1 

9 
(4)
(25)

(5)

1 

– 
– 
(4)

(4)

2 

– 
– 
(2)

(35)

(66)

6 

– 
– 
(29)

7 

(13)
(1)
(73)

57 

(16)

(29)

(73)

16 

– 
(3)
(16)

19 

9 
(7)
(52)

31 

(21)

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The Group has tax losses and other deductible temporary differences that have the potential to reduce 
tax payments in future years. Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that the realisation 
of  the  related  tax  benefit  through  future  taxable  profits  is  probable,  having  regard  to  the  projected 
future taxable income of these entities and after taking into account specific risk factors that affect the 
recovery of these assets. Management uses the same profit projections for these purposes as are used 
by the business, for example in assessing the carrying value of goodwill. Management’s judgement in 
this area is applied on a case-by-case basis due to the jurisdictional nature of taxation. This analysis is 
considered afresh at each balance sheet date.

178

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10.

DEFERRED TAX (continued)
Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)

At 31 March 2017, the Group had unutilised tax losses of approximately £121m (2016: £172m) potentially 
available for offset against future profits. A deferred tax asset of £16m (2016: £29m) has been recognised 
in respect of losses based on profitability from approved budgets and business plans. No deferred tax 
asset has been recognised in respect of the remaining losses due to the unpredictability and availability 
of future profit streams in the relevant jurisdictions. The majority of the unrecognised losses relate to the 
Mediclinic International plc in the United Kingdom, which have no expiry, and the remainder relates to 
Switzerland, which expire after seven years. Their utilisation is dependent upon the profitability of their 
entities. The financial projections used in assessing the future profitability are consistent with those used 
in  assessing  the  carrying  value  of  goodwill  as  set  out  in  note  7.  The  rate  of  utilisation  of  these  losses 
will depend on the incidence and timing of profits within each entity which consequently impacts their 
recognition as deferred tax assets. Unused tax losses for the Group are as follows:

Unused tax losses not recognised as deferred tax assets
Expiry in 1 year
Expiry in 2 years
Expiry in 3 to 7 years
No expiry

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

1 
– 
13 
33 
47 

1 
1 
6 
29 
37 

No  deferred  tax  liability  has  been  recognised  in  respect  of  temporary  differences  relating  to  the 
unremitted  earnings  of  overseas  subsidiaries  and  equity  accounted  investments  where  the  Group  is 
able  to  control  the  timing  of  the  reversal  and  it  is  probable  that  such  differences  will  not  reverse  in 
the  foreseeable  future.  Similarly  tax  is  not  provided  where  it  is  expected  at  the  reporting  date  that 
such distributions will not give rise to a tax liability. The gross timing difference in this regard amounts 
to  £1  518m  (2016:  £1  282m).  There  are  no  significant  expected  income  tax  consequences  of  earnings 
being distributed from Switzerland and the UAE, as there is no dividend withholding tax applicable to 
earnings being distributed from these operations. Although South African distributions to the UK are 
typically subject to dividend withholding taxes, distributions from South Africa are not expected to have 
income tax consequences in the foreseeable future as the operations in South Africa have a significant 
contributed tax capital balance from which may be paid dividends free from witholding tax. In line with 
the South African Reserve Bank requirement, it is intended that dividends to the South African resident 
shareholders on the South African share register will be paid from the dividend access scheme. Refer to 
note 13 for details on the dividend access scheme.

11.

INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of:

Pharmaceutical products
Consumables
Finished goods and work in progress

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

79 
10 
1 
90 

67 
8 
– 
75 

The  cost  of  inventories  recognised  as  an  expense  and  included  in  cost  of  sales  amounted  to  £630m 
(2016: £481m). 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

179

12.

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Trade receivables1
Less provision for impairment of receivables
Trade receivables – net
Other receivables2 

1 

2 

 Prior year restated following the finalisation of the Al Noor purchase price 
allocation (see note 29).
 Included in other receivables are Swiss unbilled services of £79m (2016: 
£82m). More than 92% will be recovered by Swiss insurance companies and 
federal authorities (cantons). Swiss insurance companies are subject to regular 
creditworthiness checks (e.g. minimum reserve levels).

Trade and other receivables are categorised as loans and receivables.
The  carrying  amounts  of  the  Group's  trade  and  other  receivables  are 
denominated in the following currencies:

South African rand*
Swiss franc
UAE dirham

Included in the Group's trade receivables balance are trade receivables with 
a carrying value of £165m (2016: £151m) that are past due at the reporting 
date,  but  which  the  Group  has  not  impaired  as  there  has  not  been  a 
significant change in credit quality and the amounts are still considered to 
be recoverable. The ageing of these receivables are as follows:

Up to 3 months
Between 3 and 6 months
Over 6 months

Movement in the provision for impairment of receivables

Opening balance
Provision for receivables impairment
Exchange differences
Amounts written off as uncollectable
Balance at the end of the year

GROUP

2017
£’m

466 
(41)
425 

166 
591 

2016
£’m

399 
(19)
380 

167 
547 

95 
367 

129 
591 

106 
40 

19 
165 

19 
26 
11 
(15) 

41 

59 
340 

148 
547 

99 
20 

32 
151 

18
9
–
(8)

19

Amounts written off during the year relate to individually identified accounts that are considered to be 
uncollectable.

Provision for impairment of receivables is based on historical collection trends, current market conditions 
and expected future cash flows.

Management considers the credit quality of the unprovided trade receivables to be high in light of the 
nature of these trade receivables as described in note 3.1(b).

*  Trade receivables to the value of £53m (2016: £41m) have been ceded as security for banking facilities.

180

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13.

SHARE CAPITAL

Ordinary Shares
At 1 April 2015
Shares issued (August 2015)
Share issue costs
At 14 February 2016
Reverse acquisition*
Combined capital structure 
on 15 February 2016
Share subscription 
(February 2016) 
Reduction of share 
premium
At 31 March 2016
At 31 March 2017

Number
of shares
542 476 655 

69 444 444 

– 

Share
capital
£’m
994 

Share
premium
£’m
– 

479 

(4)

– 

– 

– 

611 921 099 

1 469 

53 207 327 

(1 402)

4 862 

665 128 426 

67 

4 862 

72 115 384 

7 

593 

– 

737 243 810 

737 243 810 

– 

74 

74 

(4 765)

690 

690 

Capital
redemption

Reverse
acquisition

reserve**
£’m
–

– 

– 

– 

6 

6 

– 

– 

6 

6 

reserve***

£’m
–

– 

– 

– 

(3 014)

Total
£’m
994 

479 

(4)

1 469 

452 

(3 014)

1 921 

– 

– 

(3 014)

600 

(4 765)

(2 244)

(3 014)

(2 244)

* 

 The Company received legal advice on the scheme of arrangement and the premium on issue of 
share capital to Mediclinic International Limited shareholders did not qualify as merger relief under 
United Kingdom law.   

Reverse acquisition
The  prior  number  of  shares  from  1  April  2015  to  14  February  2016  represents  equivalent  number  of 
Mediclinic International Limited shares converted using the Mediclinic scheme of arrangement conversion 
ratio of 0.625. From 15 February 2016 the capital structure of the Group represents that of Mediclinic 
International plc.

**   The UK Companies Act provides that where shares of a company are repurchased and funded by 
a new issue of shares, the amount by which the Company's issued share capital is diminished on 
cancellation of the shares are transferred to a capital redemption reserve to maintain capital. The 
reduction of the Company's share capital shall be treated as if the capital redemption reserve were 
paid up capital of the Company.

***  The reverse acquisition reserve represents the net of the following adjustments resulting from the  

Al Noor reverse acquisition:
–   adjustment of the capital structure (share capital and share premium) of the Group to that of the 

legal parent; 

–   adjustment to account for the premium on shares issued to the Mediclinic International Limited 

shareholders; and

–   the share value component of the total consideration.

Treasury Shares
At 1 April 2015
Repurchase of shares – Forfeitable Share Plan
Disposal of shares – Forfeitable Share Plan
Utilised by the Mpilo Trusts
At 31 March 2016
Utilised by the Mpilo Trusts
At 31 March 2017

The balance of the treasury shares comprise:
Forfeitable Share Plan
Mpilo Trusts

Total
£’m
(22)
(1)
– 
21 
(2)
– 
(2)

Number
of shares
8 427 191 
129 927 
(46 091)
(8 238 246)
272 781 
(1 161)
271 620 

239 290 
32 330 
271 620 

 
 
 
  
  
  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

181

13.

SHARE CAPITAL (continued)

Ordinary Shares
Number of shares in issue: 
Nominal value:

GROUP

2017

2016
737 243 810  737 243 810 
10p

10p

Value: indicating nominal and share premium amount 
Rights of the Ordinary Shares (the “Ordinary Shares”) to profits:  All dividends shall be declared and 
paid according to the amounts paid up on the Ordinary Shares.

Rights of the Ordinary Shares to capital: If there is a return of capital on winding-up or otherwise, the 
Ordinary Shares shall confer full rights but they do not confer any rights of redemption, and shall rank 
after the Subscriber Shares.

Voting rights of the Ordinary Shares:  The Ordinary Shares shall confer, on each holder of the Ordinary 
Shares,  the  right  to  receive  notice  of  and  to  attend,  speak  and  vote  at  all  general  meetings  of  the 
Company. Each Ordinary Share carries the right to one vote on a poll.

Subscriber Shares – fully paid up
Number of shares in issue: 
Nominal value:

GROUP

2017
£’m
10
10p

2016
£’m
10
10p

Value:  indicating nominal and share premium amount 
10 issued Ordinary Shares were converted into and designated as subscriber shares of 10 pence each.  
The Subscriber Shares carry no rights to receive any of the profits of the Company available for distribution 
by way of dividend or otherwise. If there is a return of capital on a winding-up or otherwise, the assets 
of the Company available for distribution among the members shall be applied first in repaying in full to 
the holder of the Subscriber Shares the amount paid up on such shares.

Except  as  provided  above,  the  Subscriber  Shares  shall  not  carry  any  right  to  participate  in  profits  or 
assets of the Company. The holders of the Subscriber Shares shall not be entitled to receive notice of or 
attend and vote at any general meeting of the Company unless a resolution is proposed which varies, 
modifies, alters or abrogates any of the rights attaching to the Subscriber Shares.

Dividend Access Scheme (DAS)
A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd, formed a Dividend 
Access  Trust  to  comply  with  a  South  African  Reserve  Bank  requirement  that  dividends  from  a  
South African source due to South African shareholders on the South African share register must be paid 
locally to avoid an outflow of funds from South Africa.

The  beneficiaries  of  the  trust  are  the  South  African  shareholders  of  the  Company  who  hold  their 
shares via the South African share register on the relevant record date in respect of each distribution 
paid  through  the  dividend  access  scheme  (DAS).  The  Dividend  Access  Trust  does  not  participate  in  
any profits.

When  a  dividend  is  declared  by  the  Company,  the  Dividend  Access  Trust  would  receive  a  dividend 
from  Mediclinic  International  (RF)  (Pty)  Ltd  which  in  turn  is  paid  over  to  the  Company’s  transfer 
secretaries in South Africa, who arrange for the payment of the relevant amount to the South African 
shareholders (the beneficiaries of the trust) through the usual dividend payment procedures, as if they 
were dividends received from Mediclinic International plc. To the extent that the dividends due to South 
African shareholders are not ultimately funded from Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd, they receive 
those dividends as normal dividends from Mediclinic International plc. The South African shareholders' 
entitlement to receive dividends declared by Mediclinic International plc is reduced by any amounts they 
receive via the trust.

182

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14.

OTHER RESERVES
Other reserves comprise of:

Equity-settled share-based payment reserves (refer to note 15)
Foreign currency translation reserve

Hedging reserve
Capital redemption reserve (refer to note 13)
Reverse acquisition reserve (refer to note 13)

Movements in other reserves:

Equity-settled share-based payment reserve (refer to note 15)

Opening balance

Share-based payment expense

Foreign currency translation reserve

Opening balance
Currency translation differences

Hedging reserve

Opening balance
Fair value adjustments of cash flow hedges, net of tax

15.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Equity-settled share-based payment reserve (refer to note 14 and 15.1)
Cash-settled share-based payment liability (refer to note 15.2)

Total share-based payment reserves and liabilities

Expenses arising from equity-settled share-based payment transactions
Expenses arising from cash-settled share-based payment transactions

Total expense arising from share-based payment transactions  
(refer to note 22)

15.1

Equity-settled share-based payment arrangements

The balance of the equity-settled share-based payment reserve 
comprises:

Executive share option scheme
Forfeitable Share Plan

Al Noor share option scheme
Mpilo trusts (Employee share trusts)
Strategic South African black partners*

* 

 During the financial year ending 31 March 2006, the difference between the fair 
value of the equity instruments issued in a BEE transaction and the fair value of the 
cash and other assets received was recognised as an expense (grant date) and this 
corresponding increase in equity was booked.

Expenses arising from equity-settled share-based payment transactions
Forfeitable Share Plan
Mpilo trusts
Al Noor share option scheme

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

24 
779 

4 
6 
(3 014)

(2 201)

24 
407 

4 
6 
(3 014)

(2 573)

24 

24 

– 

779 

407 
372 

4 

4 
– 

24 
1 
25 

– 
1 

1 

1 

1 

(2)

17 

7 

24 

– 
– 
– 
– 

24 

14 

10 

407 

306 
101 

4 

2 
2 

24 
– 
24 

10 
– 

10 

1 

1 

(2)

17 

7 

24 

1 
11 
(2)
10 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

183

15.
15.1

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)
Equity-settled share-based payment arrangements (continued)
Additional disclosure for each arrangement
Mpilo trusts
The Mpilo trusts were created in 2005 for purposes of an employee share scheme to introduce Mediclinic 
Southern Africa employees up to first line management level as shareholders of the Group. This share-
based  payment  arrangement  is  accounted  for  as  an  equity-settled  share-based  payment  transaction. 
As qualifying employees leave prior to entitlement and shares become available further allocations were 
made to new and existing qualifying employees. The allocations of units made by the trusts were subject 
to  lock-in  periods  which  expired  in  December  2015,  with  the  shares  linked  to  participating  employees’ 
units either transferred to them or sold with the proceeds of the sale distributed to them.

Summary of the allocations:

Allocation
First allocation**
Second allocation
Third allocation 
Fourth allocation
Fifth allocation

Qualifying
date
1 Dec 2005
1 Dec 2009
1 Dec 2010
1 Dec 2012

Issue
price
R18.40
R18.08
R18.59
R17.20

Participating

 shares*  Expiry date
80  31 Dec 2015
50  31 Dec 2015
100  31 Dec 2015

70  31 Dec 2015***

31 Dec 2015

18 shares for
every 
completed
year of service

 Per qualifying employee for each completed year of service since previous allocation.

* 
**   Initial  1  000  shares  per  qualifying  employee  and  additional  80  shares  for  every  year  completed  service  prior  

1 December 2005.

***  During the prior year, the expiry date of the Fourth Allocation was changed from 31 March 2018 to 31 December 2015.

Movement in the number of Mpilo 
shares outstanding are:
Outstanding at the beginning  
of the year
Mpilo shares forfeited
Fifth allocation
Mpilo shares vested
Outstanding at the end of the period

Outstanding price per share

R17.82

R16.28

 31 March
2017
Number

31 March
2016
Number

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
–

7 197 831 
(119 296)
1 159 711 
(8 238 246)
–

Forfeitable Share Plan
The  Mediclinic  International  Limited  Forfeitable  Share  Plan  ("FSP")  was  approved  by  the  Company’s 
shareholders in July 2014 as a long-term incentive scheme for selected senior management (Executive 
Directors  and  prescribed  officers).  This  share-based  payment  arrangement  is  accounted  for  as  an  
equity-settled share-based payment transaction. With the change in control and the acquisition of the  
Al Noor Hospitals Group plc, the performance conditions of FSP have been finalised to the extent that 
the  performance  conditions  were  met  as  at  30  September  2015.  The  FSP  shares  will  vest  after  the 
vesting period has lapsed.

Under the FSP, conditional share awards are granted to selected employees of the Group. The vesting of 
these shares are subject to continued employment, and is conditional upon achievement of performance 
targets,  measured  over  a  three-year  period.  The  performance  conditions  for  the  year  under  review 
constitute a combination of: absolute total shareholder return (“TSR”) (40% weighting) and underlying 
diluted headline earnings per share (60% weighting). 

184

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15.
15.1

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)
Equity-settled share-based payment arrangements (continued)
Forfeitable Share Plan (continued)

Opening balance

Granted
Shares sold
Vested 

Closing balance

Weighted
average
fair value at
grant date
offer price
R87.41
R107.23

 31 March
2017
Number
239 290 
– 
– 
– 
239 290 

 31 March
2016
Number
155 454 
129 927 
(46 091)
– 
239 290 

A valuation has been determined and an expense recognised over a three-year period. The fair value of 
the TSR performance condition has been determined by using the Monte Carlo simulation model and for 
the headline earnings per share performance condition, consensus forecasts have been used.

The following assumptions have been used to determine the fair value of the TSR performance 
condition:

Risk-free rate
Dividend yield
Volatility

GROUP

2017
%
7.49%
1.0%
20%

2016
%
7.49%
1.0%
20%

Apart from the FSP, there are no other share option schemes in place. Therefore, no director exercised 
any rights in relation to share option schemes during the reporting period. Share options exercised by 
Al  Noor  Hospital  Group  plc  directors  before  the  acquisition  date  (15  February  2016)  are  regarded  as  a  
pre-acquisition transaction in these consolidated financial statements.

15.2 Cash-settled share-based payment arrangements
Long-term incentive plan awards (“LTIP”)

The LTIP awards is phantom shares awarded to selected senior management. This share-based payment 
arrangement is accounted for as a cash-settled share-based payment transaction. 

Under  the  LTIP,  conditional  phantom  shares  are  granted  to  selected  employees  of  the  Group.  
The vesting of these shares are subject to continued employment, and is conditional upon achievement 
of  performance  targets,  measured  over  a  three-year  period.  The  performance  conditions  for  the  year 
under review constitute a combination of: absolute total shareholder return (“TSR”) (40% weighting) and 
underlying earnings per share (60% weighting). 

Opening balance
Share-based payment expense
Benefits paid
Closing balance

GROUP

2017
£’m
– 
1 
–
1

2016
£’m
–
–
–
–

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

185

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

15.
15.2 Cash-settled share-based payment arrangements (continued)
Long-term incentive plan awards (“LTIP”) (continued)

A reconciliation of the movement in the LTIP award units is detailed below:

Opening balance
Granted
Vested
Lapsed
Closing balance

Valuation assumptions relating to outstanding units:

Grant date
Vesting date
Outstanding units
Closing share price
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
Volatility

12 232 units were allocated on 1 September 2016

* 
**  49 281 units were allocated on 1 August 2016

Average
price
range
(pence)

866 – 1 059
866 – 1 059

31 March
2017
Number
of units
– 
287 694 
(3 683)
– 
284 011 

First
allocation
14 June 2016*
14 June 2019
120 922 
712 
0.14%
1.19%
34.50%

Second
allocation
14 June 2016**
14 June 2021
150 657 
712 
0.26%
1.19%
34.50%

Certain  awards  were  also  granted  to  management  that  were  subject  only  to  service  conditions.  
These awards were granted on 1 September 2016 and vests on different dates between 1 September 2016 
and 14 June 2019. In the current year, the total number of these awards granted was 16 115. 3 683 of these 
awards vested in 2017. 

16.

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
Opening balance
Transactions with non-controlling shareholders*

Dividends to non-controlling interests 

Share of total comprehensive income

Share of profit

Currency translation differences

Non-controlling interests in hospital activities

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

61 
(4)

(9)

30 

14 

16 

78 

61 
3 

(7)

4 

13 

(9)

61 

* 

 Included in the £15m acquisition of non-controlling interest amount in the statement of cash flows is an amount of 
£14m which relates to the acquisition of the minority share in Al Madar Medical Centre LLC during the year.

186

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16.

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS (continued)
Details of non-wholly-owned subsidiaries that have material non-controlling interests:

Ownership interest
held by NCI
2017
%
3.7%

2016
%
3.4%

30.4%

30.3%

Accumulated 
non-controlling 
interests in 
statement of 
financial position

2017
£’m
7 

21 

2016
£’m
5 

15 

Profit allocated
to non-controlling
interests

2017
£’m
2 

4 

2016
£’m
1 

3 

Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd*
Curamed Holdings 
(Pty) Ltd (group)*

Summarised financial information in respect of the Group’s subsidiaries that has material non-controlling 
interests  is  set  out  below.  The  summarised  financial  information  below  represents  amounts  before  
inter-group eliminations.

*  Place of business: South Africa

Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Revenue
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income

Net cash inflow from operating activities
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities
Net cash inflow/(outflow)

Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilites

Revenue
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income

Net cash inflow from operating activities
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net cash inflow

Mediclinic
(Pty) Ltd

2017
£’m
129 
167 
(150)
(32)

350 
38 
– 
38 

55 
(27)
(27)
1 

2016
£’m
90 
124 
(116)
(22)

294 
35 
1 
36 

64 
1 
65 
(1)

Curamed Holdings (Pty) 
Ltd (group)
2017
£’m
45 
37 
(12)
(3)

2016
£’m
35 
23 
(7)
(2)

60 
13 
– 
13 

16 
(9)
(7)
– 

51 
11 
– 
11 

11 
(3)
(7)
2 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

187

17.

BORROWINGS
Bank loans

Preference shares
Listed bonds

Non-current borrowings
Current borrowings
Total borrowings

Southern African operations  
(denominated in South African rand)
Secured 
bank loan 
one1

The loan bears interest at the 3 month JIBAR 
variable rate plus a margin of 1.51% (2016: 
1.51%) compounded quarterly, and is repayable 
on 3 June 2019. 
The loan bears interest at the 3 month JIBAR 
variable rate plus a margin of 1.69% and is 
repayable on 3 June 2019.

The loan bears interest at the 3 month JIBAR 
variable rate plus a margin of 1.06% (2016: 
1.06%) compounded quarterly. £7m was repaid 
on 1 September 2016 and the remaining 
amount will be repaid on 9 October 2017.
The loan bears interest at the 3 month JIBAR 
variable rate plus a margin of 1.51% (2016: 
1.51%) compounded quarterly, and is repayable 
on 3 June 2019. 
These loans bear interest at variable rates 
linked to the prime overdraft rate and are 
repayable in periods ranging between one and 
12 years.
Dividends are payable monthly at a rate of 69% 
of prime interest rate (10.5%) (2016: 10.5%). 
£6m shares was redeemed on  
1 September 2016 and the balance will  
be redeemed on 3 June 2019.
Dividends are payable semi-annually at a rate 
of 73% of the prime interest rate (10.5%)  
(2016: 10.5%). The amount is repayable on  
29 June 2020.

Secured 
bank loan 
two1
Secured 
bank loan 
three1

Secured 
bank loan 
four1

Secured 
bank loan 
five2

Preference 
shares1

Preference 
shares*

GROUP

2017
£’m

1 642 

199 
189 

2 030 

1 961 

69 

2 030 

2016
£’m

1 581 

90 
170 

1 841 

1 524 

317 

1 841 

2017
£’m
Non-
current

2017
£’m
Current

2016
£’m
Non-
current

2016
£’m
Current

176 

72 

– 

30 

4 

108 

90 

1 

– 

7 

– 

1 

1 

– 

139 

– 

5 

9 

4 

85 

– 

1 

– 

5 

– 

1 

5 

– 

Middle East operations (denominated in UAE dirham)
Secured 
bank loan 
one3*

The loan bears interest at variable rates linked 
to the 3M LIBOR and a margin of 2.75% (2016: 
2%) with respective four-year and five-year 
amortising terms, expiring in June 2020 and 
May 2021. 

Balance carried forward

154 

634

19 

29

50 

292

3 

15

188

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

17.

BORROWINGS (continued)
Balance carried forward

Swiss operations (denominated in Swiss franc)
Secured 
bank loan 
one4

These loans bear interest at variable rates 
linked to the 3M LIBOR plus 1.5% and 2.85% 
(2016: 3M LIBOR plus 1.5% and 2.85%) and are 
repayable by 31 July 2020. The non-current 
portion includes capitalised financing costs  
of £22m (2016: £26m).

Listed bonds The listed bonds consist of CHF145m 1.625% 

and CHF90m 2% Swiss franc bonds. The  
bonds are repayable on 25 February 2021  
and 25 February 2025 respectively.

United Kingdom operations (denominated in pound)
Secured 
bank loan 
one*

The loan bears interest at variable rates linked 
to LIBOR with a minimum base rate of 1% plus 
3.75%.

2017
£’m
Non-
current

2017
£’m
Current

2016
£’m
Non-
current

2016
£’m
Current

634

29

292

15

1 138 

40 

1 062 

36 

189 

– 

170 

– 

– 

– 

– 

266 

1 961 

69 

1 524 

317 

1   Property  and  equipment  with  a  book  value  of  £231m  (2016:  £160m)  are  encumbered  as  security  
for  these  loans.  Cash  and  cash  equivalents  of  £9m  (2016:  £12m)  and  trade  receivables  of  £52m  
(2016: £41m) have also been ceded as security for these borrowings.

2  Property,  equipment  and  vehicles  with  a  book  value  of  £16m  (2016:  £12m)  are  encumbered  as 
security  for  these  loans.  Net  trade  receivables  of  £1m  (2016:  £1m)  has  also  been  ceded  as  security  
for these loans.

3  Shares  of  investments  in  Emirates  Healthcare  Holdings  Limited  and  Emirates  Healthcare  Limited 
are  encumbered  as  security  for  these  loans  as  well  as  an  account  pledge  on  receivable  collection 
accounts.  Properties  with  a  book  value  of  £nil  (2016:  £100m)  are  encumbered  as  security  for  
this loan.

4  The loan is secured by Swiss properties with a book value of £2,483m (2016: £2 248m) and Swiss bank 

accounts with a book value of £142m (2016: £128m).

*  During  the  period,  the  bridge  facility  of  £266m  in  the  United  Kingdom  was  repaid.  In  South  Africa, 
the Group entered a new long-term bank loan of £71m (ZAR1.2bn) and issued redeemable preference 
shares of £90m (ZAR1.5bn) which are classified as a financial liability. In the Middle East, the Group 
entered a new long-term bank loan of £181m (AED831m). Other than these transactions and foreign 
currency  movements  on  translation  of  local  currency  borrowings  to  pound,  there  is  no  significant 
change in the Group’s borrowings.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

189

18.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
Statement of financial position obligations for:

Swiss pension benefit obligation
South African post-retirement medical benefit obligation
UAE end-of-service benefit obligation

Total retirement benefit obligations
Short-term portion of retirement benefit obligations
Non-current retirement benefit obligations

Total amount charged to the income statement:

Swiss pension benefit obligation
South African post-retirement medical benefit obligation
UAE end-of-service benefit obligation

Total amount (credit)/charged to other comprehensive income:

Swiss pension benefit obligation
South African post-retirement medical benefit obligation
UAE end-of-service benefit obligation

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

73 
35 
56 
164 

164 
(10)
154 

23 
5 
8 
36 

(45)
– 
2 
(43)

119 
24 
45 
188 

188 
(9)
179 

30 
4 
4 
38 

66 
(1)
4 
69 

None  of  the  Directors  of  Mediclinic  International  plc  participate  in  Swiss  pension  benefits  or  the  UAE  
end-of-service benefit. One Executive Director (2016: two) of Mediclinic International plc participates in 
the South African post-retirement medical benefit obligation.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The cost of defined benefit pension plans, post-retirement medical benefit liability obligations, and the 
UAE end-of-service obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. The actuarial valuation involves 
making  assumptions  about  discount  rates,  expected  rates  of  return  on  assets,  future  salary  increases, 
mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the long-term nature of these plans, such estimates 
are subject to significant uncertainty.

(a) Swiss pension benefit obligation
The Group's Swiss operations has four (2016: five) defined benefit pension plans, namely:

Pensionskasse Hirslanden (cash balance plan)
Vorsorgestiftung VSAO (cash balance plan) (Association for Swiss Assistant and Senior Doctors)
Radiotherapie Hirslanden AG; Pension fund at foundation "pro" (cash balance plan)
Clinique La Colline SA; Pension fund at banque cantonal vaudois (cash balance plan)
Effective 1 January 2017 active insured members for the Swissana pension plan have been transferred into 
the Hirslanden and VSAO pension plans.

190

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (continued)
(a) Swiss pension benefit obligation (continued)
Statement of financial position
Amounts recognised in the statement of financial position are as follows:
Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Net pension liability

The movement in the defined benefit obligation over the period is as follows:

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

1 086 
(1 013)
73 

949 
(830)
119 

Opening balance
Current service cost 
Interest cost
Past service cost
Employee contributions
Benefits paid
Actuarial loss – experience
Actuarial (gain)/loss change in financial assumption
Exchange differences
Balance at end of year

The movement of the fair value of plan assets over the period is as follows:

Opening balance
Employer contributions
Plan participants contributions
Benefits paid from fund
Interest income on plan assets
Return on plan assets greater/(less) than discount rate
Administration cost paid
Exchange differences
Balance at end of year

Statement of financial position
Opening net liability
Expenses recognised in the income statement
Contributions paid by employer
Exchange differences
Actuarial (gain)/loss recognised in other comprehensive income
Closing net liability 

Statement of other comprehensive income
Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income are as follows:
Actuarial loss – experience
Actuarial gain/(loss) due to liability assumption changes
Return on plan assets greater/(less) than discount rate
Total comprehensive income

Income statement
Amounts recognised in the income statement are as follows:

Current service cost
Past service cost
Interest on liability
Interest on plan assets
Administration cost paid
Total expense

949 
35 
4 
(13)
30 
(16)
9 
(12)
100 
1 086 

830 
35 
30 
(16)
4 
42 
(1)
89 
1 013 

119 
23 
(35)
11 
(45)
73 

(9)
12 
42 
45 

35 
(13)
4 
(4)
1 
23 

797 
29 
7 
– 
26 
(8)
14 
45 
39 
949 

750 
30 
26 
(8)
7 
(7)
(1)
33 
830 

47 
30 
(30)
6 
66 
119 

(14)
(45)
(7)
(66)

29 
– 
7 
(7)
1 
30 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

191

18.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (continued)
Actual return on plan assets
(a) Swiss pension benefit obligation (continued)
Principal actuarial assumptions on statement of financial position
Discount rate
Future salary increases
Future pension increases
Inflation rate

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

46 

(1)

0.55%
1.50%
0.00%
1.00%

8 969 
744 
9 713 

0.45%
1.50%
0.00%
1.00%

8 617 
694 
9 311 

31 March 2017

31 March 2016

£’m

338 
255 
60 
98 
751 

3 
12 
181 
66 
262 

%

33.3%
25.2%
5.9%
9.7%
74.1%

0.3%
1.2%
17.9%
6.5%
25.9%

1 013 

100.0%

£’m

288 
197 
67 
72 
624 

3 
10 
137 
56 
206 

830 

%

34.7%
23.7%
8.1%
8.7%
75.2%

0.3%
1.2%
16.5%
6.8%
24.8%

100.0%

Impact on defined benefit obligation

Base
assumption
0.55%
1.50%
0.00%

Change in
assumption
0.25%
0.50%
0.25%

Increase
(2.7%)
0.7%
2.4%

Decrease
2.9%
(0.7%)
0.0%

Change in
assumption
1 year in 
expected life 
time of plan 
participant

Increase by
1 year in
assumption

Decrease by
1 year in
assumption

2.3%

(2.3%)

Number of plan members

Active members
Pensioners

Asset allocation

Quoted investments
Fixed income investments
Equity investments
Real estate
Other

Non–quoted investments
Fixed income investments
Equity investments
Real estate
Other

Discount rate
Salary growth rate
Pension growth rate

Life expectancy (mortality)

The above sensitivity analysis are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions 
constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. 
When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions the 
same method (present value of the defined benefit obligation calculated with the projected unit credit 
method  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period)  has  been  applied  as  when  calculating  the  pension  liability 
recognised within the statement of financial position. 

192

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (continued)
(a) Swiss pension benefit obligation (continued)
The methods and types of assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis did not change compared 
to the previous period.

Expected employer contributions to be paid to the pension plans for the year ended 31 March 2018 are 
£32m and it is anticipated that these contributions will remain at a similar level in the foreseeable future 
subject to change in financial conditions.

The  weighted  average  duration  of  the  defined  benefit  obligation  is  13.6  years  (2016:  14.3  years).  The 
maturity profile of the defined benefit obligation is as follows:

31 March 2017
Defined benefit obligation
31 March 2016
Defined benefit obligation

<= 1 year
£’m

1 – 5 years
£’m

> 5 years
£’m

Total
£’m

 73 

57

 220 

 898 

 1 191 

170

731

958

The Swiss defined benefit pension plans expose the Group to some actuarial and investment risks. 

The pension plans provides employees of the Hirslanden Group with post-employment, death-in-service 
and  disability  benefits  in  accordance  with  the  Federal  Law  on  Occupational  Old-age.  These  funds  are 
separate  legal  entities  from  the  Hirslanden  Group.  The  funds'  governing  bodies  consists  of  an  equal 
number of employer and employee representatives.

This  governing  body  determines  the  level  of  benefits  and  the  investment  strategy  for  the  plan  assets 
based  on  asset-liability  analyses  performed  periodically.  The  basis  for  these  asset-liability  analyses  are 
the statutory pension obligations, as these largely determine the cash flows of the fund. In addition, the 
investment of the plan assets is based on regulations developed by the governing body in accordance with 
the legal investment guidelines (BVV2). The investment committee of the governing body is responsible 
for  their  implementation.  The  governing  body  has  mandated  the  investment  activity  to  Complementa 
Investment  Controlling  AG,  as  the  global  custodian.  The  investment  strategy  complies  with  the  legal 
guidelines and is rather conservative. Alternative investments and unhedged foreign currency positions 
are rare.

The benefits of the pension plans are substantially higher than the legal minimum. They are determined 
by the employer's and employee's contributions and interest granted on the plan members’ accumulated 
savings;  the  interest  rate  is  determined  annually  by  the  governing  body  in  accordance  with  the  legal 
framework (defined contribution, as defined by the occupational pension law). The employee's and the 
employer's contributions are determined based on the insured salary and range from 1.25% to 15.5% of the 
insured salary depending on the age of the beneficiary. 

If an employee leaves the Hirslanden Group or the pension plans before reaching retirement age, legally 
they are to transfer the vested benefits to a new pension plan. On retirement, the participant may decide 
to withdraw the benefits as an annuity or a lump-sum.

As per the pension law in Switzerland, benefits provided by the pension funds are financed through annual 
contributions. If insufficient investment returns or actuarial losses lead to a funding gap, the governing 
body is legally obliged to take actions to close this gap within 5 years to a maximum of 7 years. Such 
actions  may  include  additional  contributions  by  the  respective  group  companies  and  the  beneficiaries. 
The current financial situation of the fund does not require such restructuring actions. None of the Group 
companies benefit from any plan surpluses.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

193

18.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (continued)
(b) South African post-retirement medical benefit obligation
The Group's Southern African operations have a post-retirement medical benefit obligation for employees 
who joined before 1 July 2012.

The  Group  accounts  for  actuarially  determined  future  medical  benefits  and  provide  for  the  expected 
liability in the statement of financial position.

During the last valuation on 31 March 2017 a 8.65% (2016: 9.25%) medical inflation cost and a 9.60% (2016: 
10.25%) interest rate were assumed. The average retirement age was set at 63 years (2016: 63 years).

The assumed rates of mortality are as follows:
During employment: SA 85/90 tables of mortality 
Post-employment: PA(90) tables 

Amounts recognised in the statement of financial position are as follows:
Opening balance
Amounts recognised in the income statement

Current service cost
Interest cost
Benefits paid
Exchange differences
Actuarial gain recognised in other comprehensive income

Present value of unfunded obligations

GROUP

2017
£’m
24 
5 
2 
3 
(1)
7 
– 
35 

2016
£’m
26 
4 
2 
2 
– 
(5)
(1)
24 

The effect of a 1% movement in the assumed health cost trend rate 
is as follows:
Defined benefit obligation 
Aggregate of the current service cost and interest cost

2017
Increase
17%
19%

2017
Decrease
(14%)
(15%)

194

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (continued)
(c) UAE end-of-service benefit obligation
In terms of UAE labour law, employees are entitled to severance pay at the end of employment. Severance 
pay is calculated as follows: 

First five years of service: between 7 and 30 days wage per year of service and thereafter 30 days per 
additional year.

The employee benefit was actuarially determined:

The following are the principle actuarial assumptions:

Discount rate
Future salary increases
Average retirement age
Annual turnover rate

Amounts recognised in the statement of financial position  
are as follows:
Opening balance
Amounts recognised in the income statement

Current service cost
Interest cost
Contributions
Business combinations
Disposal of subsidiaries
Classified as held for sale
Exchange differences
Actuarial loss recognised in other comprehensive income

Present value of unfunded obligations

Current portion of retirement benefit obligations
Non-current retirement benefit obligations

2017
4.0%
3.5%
60 years
9.3%

2016
4.2%
3.5%
60 years
12.8%

GROUP

2017
£’m
45 
8 
6 
2 
(4)
– 
(1)
(1)
7 
2 
56 

10 
46 
56 

2016
£’m
15 
4 
3 
1 
(1)
22 
– 
– 
1 
4 
45 

9 
36 
45 

The effect of a 1% movement in the future salary increases rate  
is as follows:

Defined benefit obligation 
Aggregate of the current service cost and interest cost

2017
Increase
7%
10%

2017
Decrease
(6%)
(8%)

Expected  employer  contributions  to  be  paid  to  the  UAE  end-of-service  benefit  obligation  for  the  year 
ended 31 March 2018 are £11m.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

195

19.

PROVISIONS

Employee
benefits
£’m

Legal cases
and other
£’m

Tariff
risks
£’m

Total
£’m

Year ended 31 March 2016
Opening balance
Charged to the income statement
Utilised during the year
Unused amounts reversed
Exchange differences
Balance at the end of the year

At 31 March 2016
Current 
Non-current 

Year ended 31 March 2017
Opening balance
Charged to the income statement
Utilised during the year
Unused amounts reversed
Exchange differences
Balance at the end of the year

At 31 March 2017
Current 
Non-current 

14 
2 
(2)
– 
1 
15 

 2 
 13 
 15 

15 
3 
(2)
– 
1 
17 

 2 
 15 
 17 

1 
1 
– 
– 
– 
2 

 – 
 2 
 2 

2 
7 
(3)
(1)
– 
5 

 5 
 – 
 5 

31 
4 
– 
(10)
1 
26 

 17 
 9 
 26 

26 
7 
(1)
(11)
2 
23 

 15 
 8 
 23 

46 
7 
(2)
(10)
2 
43 

 19 
 24 
 43 

43 
17 
(6)
(12)
3 
45 

 22 
 23 
 45 

(a) Employee benefits
This provision is for benefits granted to employees for long service.

(b) Legal cases and other
This provision relates to third-party excess payments for malpractice claims which are not covered by 
insurance and other costs for legal claims.

(c) Tariff risks
This provision relates to compulsory health insurance tariff risks in Switzerland and other tariff disputes 
at some of the Group's Swiss hospitals.

Provisions are expected to be payable during the following financial years:

Within 1 year
After one year but not more than five years
More than five years

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

22 
16 
7 
45 

19 
18 
6 
43 

196

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL 
INSTRUMENTS
Non-current
Interest rate swaps – cash  
flow hedges

Total non-current

Current
Interest rate swaps – cash  
flow hedges
Forward exchange contracts
Call option
Total current

Total derivative financial  
instruments

Assets
2017
£’m

Liabilities
2017
£’m

Assets
2016
£’m

Liabilities
2016
£’m

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

2 

2 

7 
– 
– 
7 

9 

1 

1 

– 
– 
2 
2 

3 

19 

19 

– 
1 
– 
1 

20 

Effective interest rate swaps
In order to hedge specific exposures in the interest rate repricing profile of existing borrowings, the Group 
uses  interest  rate  derivatives  to  generate  the  desired  interest  profile.  At  31  March  2017,  the  Group  had 
twelve effective interest rate swap contracts (31 March 2016: eight) for borrowings specifically in Southern 
Africa. The value of borrowings hedged by the interest rate derivatives and the rates applicable to these 
contracts are as follows:

Borrowings
hedged
£’m

Fixed
interest
payable

Interest
receivable

Fair value
gain/(loss)
for the year
£’m

31 March 2017

1 to 3 years*

31 March 2016

184 

5.5 – 8.1%

1 to 5 years*

80 

5.5 – 8.1%

3 month JIBAR/
69% of prime
interest rate

3 month JIBAR/
69% of prime
interest rate

– 

1 

*  The interest rate swap agreement reset every 3 months on 1 June, 1 September, 1 December and  

1 March with a final reset on 1 September 2017 for £19m, on 1 March 2019 for £60m, on 3 June 2019 
for £76m and on 2 March 2020 for £30m. There is no ineffective portion recognised in the profit  
and loss that arises from the cash flow hedges.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

197

20.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
Ineffective interest rate swaps
Due to the current negative interest rates in Switzerland, the hedge relationship in respect of the 3 month 
Swiss LIBOR interest rate swaps became ineffective since the interest on the borrowings is capped at a 
rate of 0% but is fully considered as interest payments on the swap. Hedge accounting discontinued from 
the date when hedge effectiveness could not be demonstrated, i.e. from 1 October 2014.

Opening balance
Fair value adjustments booked through profit and loss (finance cost)
Exchange differences
Balance at the end of the period

GROUP

2017
£’m
(19)
13 
(1)
(7)

2016
£’m
(26)
8 
(1)
(19)

31 March 2017

Beyond 1 year **

31 March 2016

Beyond 2 years **

Nominal
value
£’m

Fixed
interest
payable

Interest
receivable

1 200 

0.112% and
0.239%

3 month Swiss
LIBOR

1 122 

0.112% and
0.239%

3 month Swiss
LIBOR

**   The interest rate swap agreement resets every 3 months on 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 
31 December with a final reset on 31 March 2018 and termination date on 30 September 2017 and 
30 June 2018.

21.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Trade payables
Other payables and accrued expenses
Social insurance and accrued leave pay
Value added tax

GROUP

2017
£’m

227 
167 
70 
8 
472 

2016
£’m

200 
169 
55 
7 
431 

198

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22.

EXPENSES BY NATURE
Fees paid to the Group's auditors for the following services:

Audit of the parent company and consolidated financial statements
Audit company subsidiaries
Audit services
Audit related services
Tax advice
Tax compliance
All other services

Cost of inventories

Depreciation  – buildings (note 6)

– equipment (note 6)
– furniture and vehicles (note 6)

Employee benefit expenses

Wages and salaries
Retirement benefit costs – defined contribution plans
Retirement benefit costs – defined benefit obligations (note 18)
Share-based payment expense (note 15)

Increase in provision for impairment for receivables (note 12)

Maintenance costs

Operating leases  – buildings

– equipment

Amortisation of intangible assets (note 7)

Other expenses

General expenses
Profit on disposal of property, equipment and vehicles

Classified as:

Cost of sales
Administration and other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortisation is classified as:

Cost of sales
Administration and other operating expenses

Number of employees

23.

OTHER GAINS AND LOSSES
Fair value adjustments on derivative contracts
Foreign exchange rate losses on corporate transactions

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

0.3 
1.8 
2.1 
0.5
0.4
– 
0.1
3.1

630 

37 
60 
22 

1 231 
1 181 
13 
36 
1 

26 

50 

53 
3 

26 

244 
244 
– 

0.4 
1.9 
2.3 
1.1 
0.4 
0.3 
0.2 
4.3 

481 

25 
41 
18 

934 
875 
11 
38 
10 

9 

44 

32 
2 

9 

219 
220 
(1)

2 385 

1 818 

1 696 
689 
2 385 

107 
38 
145 

1 264 
554 
1 818 

76 
17 
93 

No
32 625 

No
32 884 

1 
(3)
(2)

(1)
– 
(1)

 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

199

24.

FINANCE COSTS
Interest expense
Interest rate swaps
Amortisation of capitalised financing costs
Fair value gains on ineffective cash flow hedges
Preference share dividend
Less: amounts included in the cost of qualifying assets

25.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Current tax

Current year
Previous year

Deferred tax (note 9)
Taxation per income statement

Composition

UK tax
Foreign tax

Reconciliation of rate of taxation:
UK statutory rate of taxation

Adjusted for:

Capital gains taxed at different rates
Benefit of tax incentives
Share of net profit of equity accounted investments
Non-deductible expenses*
Non-controlling interests' share of profit before tax
Effect of different tax rates**
Income tax rate changes
Non-recognition of tax losses in current year
Recognition of tax losses relating to prior years***
Prior year adjustment

Effective tax rate

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

58 
11 
7 
(13)
12 
(1)
74 

46 
(3)
21 
64 

– 
64 

64 

44 
11 
5 
(8)
6 
– 
58 

41 
1 
13 
55 

– 
55 

55 

20.0%

20.0%

– 
(0.2%)
(0.8%)
1.8%
(0.3%)
0.7%
– 
0.9%
(0.5%)
(0.8%)
20.8%

0.1%
(0.2%)
(0.5%)
5.6%
(0.3%)
(3.9%)
(0.2%)
1.8%
(0.4%)
0.4%
22.4%

* 

 The impact of the following non-deductive expenses on the tax rate in the prior year was an increase of 4.2% (£10m): 
–  Transaction  costs  in  relation  to  the  Al  Noor  transaction  were  not  deductible  for  tax  purposes  as  these  costs  are 

capital of nature. The tax effect of this amounted £8m which resulted in an increase in the effective tax rate.  

– Non-deductible accelerated IFRS 2 charges increased the tax charge by £2m.  

**   The effect of different tax rates is mainly because of profit earned from South Africa which is subject to an income tax 
rate of 28%, reduced by profit earned from the UAE which is not subject to income tax. Compared to the comparative 
period, the effect of different tax rates increased mainly due to the proportional higher contribution by the Southern 
Africa operating segment and lower proportional contribution from the UAE.

***  A deferred tax asset of approximately £3m was recognised in respect of previously unrecognised assessed tax losses 

in South Africa due to improvements in local profitability.

The income tax liability includes an amount of approximately £3m (2016: £8m) relating to unresolved tax 
matters. The range of possible outcomes relating to this liability is not considered to be material.

 
 
200

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

26.

EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE
Earnings per ordinary share (pence)

Basic (pence)
Diluted (pence)

Number of shares reconciliation
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for basic  
earnings per share
Number of ordinary shares in issue at the beginning of the year

Al Noor Hospitals Group plc shares prior to reverse acquisition
Al Noor Hospitals Group plc shares repurchased 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares issued during the year  
(August 2015)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares issued during the year 
(February 2016)
Adjustment for equity raising – Rights Offer (August 2015)  
(IAS 33 para 26)** 

Weighted average number of treasury shares

BEE shareholder
Mpilo Trusts
Forfeitable Share Plan

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for  
diluted earnings per share
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
Weighted average number of treasury shares held not yet  
released from treasury stock

BEE shareholder*
Mpilo Trusts
Forfeitable Share Plan

GROUP

2017
£’m

31.0 
31.0 

2016
£’m

29.6 
29.5 

737 243 810  542 473 328 

–  14 688 077 
(8 000 842)
– 

–  41 742 562 

– 

– 

9 063 634 

5 239 773 

(303 656)
(31 238)
(33 128)
(239 290)

(6 764 447)
(521 142)
(5 995 653)
(247 652)

736 940 154  598 442 085 

736 940 154  598 442 085 

303 656 
31 238 
33 128 
239 290 

768 793 
521 141 
– 
247 652 

737 243 810  599 210 878 

The prior year number of shares have been converted using the Mediclinic scheme of arrangement conversion 
ratio of 0.625 Mediclinic International plc shares for each Mediclinic International Limited share held.

* 

 Represents  the  equivalent  weighted  average  number  of  shares  for  which  no  value  has  been 
received  from  the  BEE  shareholder  (Mpilo  Investment  Holdings  2  (RF)  (Pty)  Ltd)  in  terms  of  the 
Group’s  black  ownership  initiative.  To  date,  no  value  was  received  for  an  equivalent  of  31  238  
(2016: 521 141) shares issued to the strategic black partner. 

Mpilo Investment Holdings 1 (RF) (Pty) Ltd and Mpilo Investment Holdings 2 (RF) (Pty) Ltd are structured 
entities that are not consolidated due to the Group not having control. These companies are investment 
holding companies and were incorporated as part of the Mediclinic BEE transaction. The companies hold 
ordinary shares in Mediclinic International plc on which it receives dividends. These dividends are used 
to repay the outstanding debt of the companies. The outstanding debt referred to is provided by third 
parties with no recourse to the Group.

**   The  shares  were  issued  at  a  price  lower  than  the  fair  value  of  the  shares  before  the  equity  capital 
raised in June 2014 and Rights Offer in August 2015. As a result, the weighted average number of 
shares was adjusted in accordance with IAS 33 paragraph 26.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

201

26.

EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE (continued)
Headline earnings per ordinary share 
The  Group  is  required  to  calculate  headline  earnings  per  share  (HEPS)  in  accordance  with  the  JSE 
Limited (JSE) Listings Requirements, determined by reference to the South African Institute of Chartered 
Accountants’ circular 02/2015 (Revised) ‘Headline Earnings’. The table below sets out a reconciliation of 
basic EPS and HEPS in accordance with that circular. Disclosure of HEPS is not a requirement of IFRS, 
but it is a commonly used measure of earnings in South Africa. The table below reconciles the profit for 
the financial year attributable to equity holders of the parent to headline earnings and summarises the 
calculation of basic HEPS:

Profit for the financial period attributable to equity holders of the parent

Adjustments

Impairment of property
Insurance proceeds
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
Profit on disposal of property, equipment and vehicles

Headline earnings

Headline earnings per share (pence)
Diluted headline earnings per share (pence)

27.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Components of other comprehensive income

Currency translation differences
Fair value adjustment – cash flow hedges
Remeasurements of retirement benefit obligations
Other comprehensive income, net of tax

GROUP

2017
£’m
229 

– 
– 
– 
– 
229 

31.0 
31.0 

388 
– 
34 
422 

Attributable to
 equity holders
 of the Company
 (before tax)
£’m

Tax charge
 attributable to
 equity holders
 of the Company
£’m

Attributable to
 non-controlling
 interest
(after tax)
£’m

372 

– 

43 
415 

101 

1 

1 

(69)
34 

– 

– 

(9)
(9)

– 

– 

– 

13 
13 

16 

– 

– 
16 

(9)

– 

– 

– 
(9)

Year ended 31 March 2017
Currency translation differences
Fair value adjustment –  
cash flow hedges
Remeasurements of retirement 
benefit obligations
Other comprehensive income

Year ended 31 March 2016
Currency translation differences
Recycling of fair value 
adjustments of derecognised 
cash flow hedge
Fair value adjustment –  
cash flow hedges
Remeasurements of retirement 
benefit obligations
Other comprehensive income

2016
£’m
177 

– 
– 
– 
– 
177 

29.6 
29.5 

92 
2 
(56)
38 

Total
£’m

388 

– 

34 
422 

92 

1 

1 

(56)
38 

202

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

28.
28.1

CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Reconciliation of profit before taxation to cash generated from operations
Profit before taxation
Adjustments for:

Finance cost – net
Share of net profit of equity accounted 
investments
Other gains and losses
Share-based payment 
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment provision of trade receivables
Movement in provisions
Movement in retirement benefit obligations
Profit on disposal of property, equipment and vehicles

Operating income before changes in working capital
Working capital changes
Increase in inventories
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

28.2

Interest paid
Finance cost per income statement
Refinancing costs shown as financing activities
Non-cash items

Amortisation of capitalised financing fees
Fair value gains on ineffective cash flow hedges

28.3

Tax paid
Liability at the beginning of the period
Provision for the period

Liability at the end of the period

28.4 Investment to maintain operations

Property, equipment and vehicles purchased
Intangible assets purchased
Less non-cash flow items

28.5

Investment to expand operations
Property, equipment and vehicles purchased
Intangible assets purchased

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

307 

67 

(12)
2 
1 
145 
26 
(1)
(4)
– 

531 
(22)
(4)
(14)
(4)

509 

74 
(3)

(7)
13 
77 

8 
43 

51 
(6)
45 

105 
6 
(2)
109 

134 
6 
140 

245 

49 

(6)
1 
10 
93 
– 
5 
9 
(1)

405 
6 
(1)
4 
3 

411 

58 
(6)

(5)
8 
55 

11 
42 

53 
(8)
45 

63 
9 
– 
72 

114 
– 
114 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

203

28.

CASH FLOW INFORMATION (continued)

Date paid/
payable

Dividend per
share (pence)

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

28.6 Dividends declared

Year ended 31 March 2017

Interim dividend
Final dividend

Year ended 31 March 2016

Interim dividend
Final dividend

12 December
 2016
31 July 2017

7 December
2015
25 July 2016

3.20 
4.70 
7.90 

2.66 
5.24 
7.90 

23 
35 

58 

15 
39 
54 

Under  IFRS  dividends  are  only  recognised  in  the  financial  statements  when  authorised  by  the  Board 
of  Directors  (for  interim  dividends)  or  when  authorised  by  the  shareholders  (for  final  dividends).  
The  aggregate  amount  of  the  proposed  dividend  expected  to  be  paid  on  31  July  2017  from  retained 
earnings has not been recognised as a liability on 31 March 2017. 

Dividends paid during the period

GROUP

2017
£’m
62 

2016
£’m
48 

28.7 Changes in liabilities arising from financing 

activities
Year ended 31 March 2017
Opening balance
Cash flow movements

Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings

Non-cash items

Amortisation of capitalised financing fees
Fair value changes
Exchange rate differences

Closing balance

Year ended 31 March 2016
Opening balance 
Cash flow movements

Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings

Non-cash items

Amortisation of capitalised financing fees
Fair value changes
Exchange rate differences

Closing balance

Net derivative
financial
instruments
held
 to hedge
borrowings
£’m

Total
borrowings
£’m

1 841 

247 
(327)

7 
– 
262 

2 030 

1 618 

302 
(85)

5 
– 
1 

1 841 

17 

– 
– 

– 
(13)
5 

9 

26 

– 
– 

– 
(9)
– 

17 

Total
£’m

1 858 

247 
(327)

7 
(13)
267

2 039 

1 644 

302 
(85)

5 
(9)
1 

1 858 

204

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CASH FLOW INFORMATION (continued)

28.
28.8 Cash and cash equivalents

For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash, cash equivalents and 
bank overdrafts include:

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts are denominated in the following 
currencies:

South African rand*
Swiss franc**
UAE dirham***
Pound****

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

361 

305 

96 
148 
83 
34 
361 

74 
131 
100 
– 
305 

* 
** 

The counterparties have a minimum Baa2 credit rating by Moody’s. 
 The facility agreement of the Swiss subsidiary restricts the distribution of cash. The counterparties have a minimum 
A2 credit rating by Moody’s and a minimum A credit rating by Standard & Poor’s.

***  The counterparties have a minimum BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s.
**** The counterparty has a Aa2 credit rating by Moody’s.

Cash and cash equivalents denominated in South African rands amounting to £12m (2016 : £12m) has been 
ceded as security for borrowings (see note 17).

29.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
There were no significant business combinations during the current year. Al Noor Hospitals Group plc was 
acquired in the prior year. 

Al Noor Hospitals Group plc

GROUP
2016
£’m
Cash
flow on
acquisition
17 

Al Noor Hospitals Group plc
On 15 February 2016, Mediclinic completed the combination between Al Noor Hospitals Group plc and 
Mediclinic International Limited. The combination was classified as a reverse takeover. After the reverse 
takeover, the Group is considered to be one of the world’s leading international private healthcare groups, 
with deep operational expertise and a well-balanced geographic profile in Southern Africa, Switzerland, 
the United Arab Emirates and in the UK (through a minority stake in Spire). The purchase price allocation 
calculation has been finalised and retrospective adjustments have been made to the calculation (refer to 
footnote 2 on the next page). The transaction resulted in £1 203m (restated) goodwill being recognised. 
Goodwill  represents  the  earnings  potential  of  the  established  Al  Noor  business  with  a  geographical 
footprint in Abu Dhabi as well as synergies from a combined business in the UAE and a skilled workforce 
assembled at the operating facilities. 

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

205

29.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (continued)
Al Noor Hospitals Group plc (continued)
Purchase consideration at 15 February 2016

Special dividend (£3.28 per share)
Tender offer (limited to £1bn with special dividend, £8.32 per share)
Value of share element1

Total consideration transferred

Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities  
assumed (provisional purchase price allocation)

Assets

Property, equipment and vehicles 
Intangible assets 
Other investments and loans
Inventories
Trade and other receivables2
Derivative financial instruments
Investment in money market funds
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Retirement benefit obligations
Trade and other payables

Total liabilities

Total identifiable net assets at fair value

Non-controlling interest
Goodwill2

Total

Analysis of cash flow on acquisition

Transaction costs incurred in reverse acquisition
Net cash acquired with the subsidiary
Net cash flow on acquisition

GROUP
2016
£’m
Cash
flow on
acquisition

383 
530 
446 
1 359 

61 
65 
2 
14 
97 
2 
10 
24 
275 

22 
92 
114 

161 
(5)
1 203 
1 359 

(41)
24 
(17)

1 

2 

 The value of the share element represents the equivalent fair value of the shares at date of acquisition 
that the acquirer (Mediclinic International Limited) would have issued to the shareholders of Al Noor 
Hospitals Group plc if equity instruments of the acquirer had to be issued. 
 The  fair  value  exercise  over  the  opening  balance  sheet  of  Al  Noor  remained  provisional  at  
31 March 2016 as permitted by IFRS 3. During the year the Group has made progress to conform  
Al Noor’s commercial practices with the rest of the Group. For this reason the fair value of acquired 
trade and other receivables was adjusted to align with the Group’s policies. A fair value adjustments 
of  £14m  was  made  to  the  opening  balance  of  trade  and  other  receivables  as  a  result  of  the 
finalisation of the purchase price allocation. This adjustment resulted in a change in the goodwill 
figure recorded in the prior year’s financial statements.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

Critical  accounting  estimates  and  assumptions  were  made  in  the  purchase  price  allocation  of  the  
Al Noor acquisition in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations. Identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured at their fair values 
at the acquisition date. The fair value of an asset or liability represents the price that would be received 
to  sell  an  asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a  liability  in  an  orderly  transaction  between  market  participants.  
An independent valuer was used to assist in the valuation of Al Noor’s opening balance sheet. During 
the current year the purchase price allocation was finalised for the Al Noor acquisition and retrospective 
adjustments were made. Refer to the retrospective adjustments made above.

206

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30.

CASH FLOW ON ACQUISITION OF INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATE

Spire Healthcare Group plc

GROUP
2016
£’m
Cash
flow on
acquisition

446 

Spire Healthcare Group plc is a leading private healthcare group in the UK with a national network of 
39  hospitals  across  the  United  Kingdom.  The  investment  in  Spire  provides  Mediclinic  with  a  further 
opportunity to diversify into an attractive new geography with a strong currency. The Group and Spire 
will benefit from collaboration, with the potential to unlock procurement benefits and knowledge transfer.

On  22  June  2015,  Remgro  through  its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Remgro  Jersey  Ltd  (subsequently 
renamed to Mediclinic Jersey Ltd), acquired 119 923 335 Spire shares equivalent to a 29.9% shareholding. 
The purchase of the equity investment were negotiated jointly by Mediclinic and Remgro with the seller. 
Mediclinic acquired Remgro’s indirect shareholding in Spire for an amount equal to the aggregate of the 
purchase price paid by Remgro Jersey Ltd, transaction costs and funding costs, totalling approximately 
£446m. The Spire acquisition was effected through a series of transactions which ultimately resulted in 
Mediclinic,  through  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  (Mediclinic  Jersey  Limited)  directly  holding  the  29.9% 
interest in Spire from 24 August 2015.

Purchase consideration paid, comprise of the following:
Purchase price paid to Remgro
Transaction cost
Total cost of equity investment
Less cash acquired in subsidiary (Mediclinic Jersey Ltd)
Cash flow on acquisition of investment in associate

GROUP
2016
£’m
Cash
flow on
acquisition
437 
10 
447 
(1)
446 

31.

DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES
The Group disposed of the following companies that were part of the Middle East segment: Rochester 
Wellness LLC, Emirates American Company for Medical Services LLC, Abu Dhabi Medical Services LLC 
and National Medical Services LLC.

Consideration received

Cash and cash equivalents
Consideration receivable
Other non-cash items

GROUP
2017
£’m
Cash
flow on
acquisition

47 
1 
3 
51 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

207

30.

CASH FLOW ON ACQUISITION OF INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATE

Spire Healthcare Group plc

31.

DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES (continued)
Analysis of assets and liabilities over which control was lost
Assets

Property, equipment and vehicles
Goodwill
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities

Retirement benefit obligations
Trade and other payables

Total liabilities
Net assets disposed of

Gain on disposal of subsidiary
Consideration received
Net assets disposed of
Gain on disposal

Total cashflow on disposal of subsidiary
Less: cash and cash equivalents balanced disposed of
Net cash flow on disposal

GROUP
2017
£’m
Cash
flow on
acquisition

10 
33 
10 
3 
56 

1 
4 
5 
51 

51 
(51)
– 

47 
(3)
44 

32.

DISPOSAL GROUPS HELD FOR SALE
Before the end of the financial year, management decided to sell the following clinics within the Mediclinic 
Middle  East  segment:  Mediclinic  Beach  Road  Clinic,  Mediclinic  Corniche  Medical  Centre,  Lookwow 
Oneday Surgery and Pharmacy, Al Noor Sanaiya Clinic and Pharmacy, Al Noor ICAD Clinic and Pharmacy, 
Al Noor International Medical Centre (Sharjah), Al Noor Hamdan Street Pharmacy, Al Madar Ajman Clinic 
and Pharmacy and Al Madar Diagnostic Centre-Al Ain.

Accordingly,  assets  and  liabilities  of  these  clinics  are  disclosed  as  held  for  sale  as  the  classification 
requirements of IFRS 5 have been met at 31 March 2017.

Analysis of assets and liabilities held for sale
Assets

Property, equipment and vehicles
Inventories
Total assets

Liabilities

Retirement benefit obligations
Trade and other payables

Total liabilities

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

8 
1 
9 

1 
1 
2 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

Spire Healthcare Group plc is a leading private healthcare group in the UK with a national network of 

39  hospitals  across  the  United  Kingdom.  The  investment  in  Spire  provides  Mediclinic  with  a  further 

opportunity to diversify into an attractive new geography with a strong currency. The Group and Spire 

will benefit from collaboration, with the potential to unlock procurement benefits and knowledge transfer.

On  22  June  2015,  Remgro  through  its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Remgro  Jersey  Ltd  (subsequently 

renamed to Mediclinic Jersey Ltd), acquired 119 923 335 Spire shares equivalent to a 29.9% shareholding. 

The purchase of the equity investment were negotiated jointly by Mediclinic and Remgro with the seller. 

Mediclinic acquired Remgro’s indirect shareholding in Spire for an amount equal to the aggregate of the 

purchase price paid by Remgro Jersey Ltd, transaction costs and funding costs, totalling approximately 

£446m. The Spire acquisition was effected through a series of transactions which ultimately resulted in 

Mediclinic,  through  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  (Mediclinic  Jersey  Limited)  directly  holding  the  29.9% 

interest in Spire from 24 August 2015.

Purchase consideration paid, comprise of the following:

Purchase price paid to Remgro

Transaction cost

Total cost of equity investment

Less cash acquired in subsidiary (Mediclinic Jersey Ltd)

Cash flow on acquisition of investment in associate

31.

DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES

The Group disposed of the following companies that were part of the Middle East segment: Rochester 

Wellness LLC, Emirates American Company for Medical Services LLC, Abu Dhabi Medical Services LLC 

and National Medical Services LLC.

Consideration received

Cash and cash equivalents

Consideration receivable

Other non-cash items

GROUP

2016

£’m

Cash

flow on

acquisition

446 

GROUP

2016

£’m

Cash

flow on

acquisition

437 

10 

447 

(1)

446 

GROUP

2017

£’m

Cash

flow on

acquisition

47 

1 

3 

51 

208

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

33.

COMMITMENTS
Capital commitments
Incomplete capital expenditure contracts

Southern Africa
Switzerland
Middle East

Capital expenses authorised by the Board of Directors but not yet contracted

Southern Africa
Switzerland
Middle East

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

170 
61 
13 
96 

227 
153 
19 
55 

397 

92 
57 
10 
25 

212 
70 
18 
124 

304 

These commitments will be financed from Group and borrowed funds.

Operating lease commitments
The Group has entered into various operating lease agreements on premises and equipment. The future 
non-cancellable minimum lease rentals are payable during the following financial years:

Within 1 year
1 to 5 years
Beyond 5 years

GROUP

2017
£’m
45 
166 
366 
577 

2016
£’m
41 
139 
322 
502 

Income guarantees
As part of the expansion of network of specialist institutes in Switzerland and centres of expertise the 
Group has agreed to guarantee a minimum net income to these specialists for a start-up period of three 
to  five  years.  Payments  under  such  guarantees  become  due,  if  the  net  income  from  the  collaboration 
does not meet the amounts guaranteed. There were no payments under the above mentioned income 
guarantees in the reporting period as the net income individually generated met or exceeded the amounts 
guaranteed.

Total of net income guaranteed:  

April 2015 to March 2016
April 2016 to March 2017
April 2017 to March 2018
April 2018 to March 2019

GROUP

2017
£’m
– 
4 
1 
– 
5 

2016
£’m
6 
3 
– 
– 
9 

Contingent liabilities
Litigation
The Group is not aware of any pending legal claims that are not covered by the Group’s extensive insurance 
programmes.

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

209

34.

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Remgro  Limited  owns,  through  various  subsidiaries  (Remgro  Healthcare 
(Pty)  Limited,  Remgro  Health  Limited  and  Remgro  Jersey  GBP  Limited) 
44.56% (2016: 44.56%) of the Company's issued shared capital. 

The following transactions were carried out with related third parties:

i)

Transactions with shareholders

Share subscription – Remgro Group and its subsidiaries
In addition to the share subscription (February 2016), Remgro also 
participated in the Right Offer (August 2015).

Remgro Management Services Limited (subsidiary of Remgro Limited)

Managerial and administration fees
Internal audit services
Management fee relating to the acquisition of equity investment (Spire 
Healthcare Group plc)
Underwriting fees in respect of the rights offer

V & R Management Services AG (subsidiary of Remgro Limited)

Administration fees*

Acquisition of equity investment (Spire Healthcare Group plc)

During the prior period, Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd (previously 
Mediclinic  International  Ltd)  and  Remgro  Limited  jointly  negotiated  the 
terms of the transaction to acquire an equity investment in Spire Healthcare 
Group plc with the seller. Refer to note 30 for additional information.

ii)

Key management compensation
Key management includes the Directors (Executive and Non-executive)  
and members of the Executive Committee.

Salaries and other short-term benefits

Short-term benefits
Post-employment benefits*
Share-based payment

iii)

Transactions with associates
Zentrallabor Zürich (ZLZ)

Fees earned
Purchases

Spire Healthcare Group plc

Non-executive Director fee*

*  Amount is less than £0.5m.

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

–

600

 0.30 
 0.20 

 0.20 
 0.10 

– 
– 

– 

7 
6 
– 
1 

(1)
10 

– 

2 
4 

– 

4 
4 
– 
– 

(1)
7 

– 

210

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

35.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial instruments that are measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, are classified 
using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in the valuation. The fair value 
hierarchy has the following levels:

•  Level 1 –  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
•  Level 2 –   Input  (other  than  quoted  prices  included  within  level  1)  that  is  observable  for  the  asset  or 

liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices)

•  Level 3 –  Input for the asset or liability that is not based on observable market data (unobservable input).

Financial instruments carried at fair value in the  
statement of financial position
Financial assets

Other investments and loans (available-for-sale assets)
Derivative financial instruments

Financial liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

GROUP

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

2 
– 

(9)

1 
3 

(20)

•  Available-for-sale  assets  (part  of  other  investments  and  loans):  Fair  value  is  based  on  appropriate 
valuation methodologies being discounted cash flow or actual net asset value of the investment. These 
assets are grouped as level 2.

•  Derivative financial instruments: Interest rate swaps are measured at the present value of future cash 
flows  estimated  and  discounted  based  on  the  applicable  yield  curves  derived  from  quoted  interest 
rates. Based on the degree to which the fair value is observable, the interest rate swaps and forward 
contracts are grouped as level 2.

Financial instruments not carried at fair value in the  
statement of financial position
Financial assets

Other investments and loans
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Borrowings
Trade and other payables

GROUP

2017
£’m

22 
425 
361 

2016
£’m

5 
380 
305 

(2 030)
(394)

(1 841)
(369)

•  Cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and other investments 
and loans: Due to the expected short-term maturity of these financial instruments their carrying value 
approximate their fair value.

•  Borrowings:  The  fair  value  of  long-term  borrowings  is  based  on  discounted  cash  flows  using  the 
effective  interest  rate  method.  As  the  interest  rates  of  long-term  borrowings  are  all  market  related, 
their carrying values approximate their fair value.

36.

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE
No  material  events  occurred  between  the  reporting  date  and  the  date  the  financial  statements  were 
authorised for issue.

 
 
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

211

ANNEXURE – INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, 
ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

SUBSIDIARIES 

Company

Al Noor Holdings Cayman Limited ("ANH Cayman")

ANMC Management Limited ("ANMC Management")

Country of
incorporation
and place of
business

Cayman 
Islands

Cayman 
Islands

Principal activities

Interest in capital1

31 March
2017
%

31 March
2016
%

Intermediary holding company 

100.0 

100.0 

Intermediary holding company 
and manager of Al Noor Golden

100.0 

100.0 

Mediclinic CHF Finco Limited 

Jersey

Treasury

Mediclinic Holdings Netherlands B.V 

Netherlands

Intermediary holding company 

Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Intermediary holding company 

Mediclinic Middle East Holdings Limited 

Jersey

Intermediary holding company 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

Group

Indirectly held through Mediclinic CHF Finco Limited

Mediclinic Jersey Limited

Jersey

Intermediary holding company 

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd

Mediclinic Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Intermediary holding company 

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Investments (Pty) Ltd

Business Ventures Investments No 1871 (Pty) Ltd

Jersey

Deregistered

Mediclinic Europe (Pty) Ltd

Mediclinic Group Services (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Dormant  
(deregistration in process)

South Africa

Provision of group services within 
the Mediclinic group

100.0 

100.0 

 – 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

Mediclinic Middle East Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Dormant

Mediclinic Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Intermediary holding company 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Group Services (Pty) Ltd

Mediclinic Management Services (Pty) Ltd 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Dormant  
(deregistration in process)

100.0 

100.0 

Curamed Holdings (Pty) Ltd 

ER24 Holdings (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Intermediary holding company 

South Africa

Intermediary holding company 

Hedrapix Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Dormant

Howick Private Hospital Holdings (Pty) Ltd 

South Africa

Intermediary holding company 

Medical Human Resources (Pty) Ltd

South Africa Management of healthcare staff

Medical Innovations (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital equipment

Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd (ordinary shares and Mediclinic Head Office 
Hospital Shares)

South Africa

Intermediary holding company 
and operating company of 
Mediclinic Southern Africa 

Mediclinic Brits (Pty) Ltd*

South Africa

Healthcare services

Mediclinic Finance Corporation (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Treasury

Mediclinic Holdings (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd

Namibia 

Intermediary holding company 

Mediclinic Lephalale (Pty) Ltd

Mediclinic Midstream (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Healthcare services

South Africa

Healthcare services

Mediclinic Midstream Properties (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Dormant

Mediclinic Paarl (Pty) Ltd*

Mediclinic Properties (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Healthcare services

South Africa

Property ownership and 
management

69.6 

100.0 

100.0 

50.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

65.2 

100.0 

100.0 

87.3 

81.1 

69.8 

100.0 

100.0 

50.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

64.1 

100.0 

100.0 

87.3 

81.1 

100.0 

100.0 

75.2 

74.6 

100.0 

100.0 

Mediclinic Tzaneen (Pty) Ltd* (50% plus 1 share)

South Africa

Healthcare services

50.0 

50.0 

212

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

SUBSIDIARIES (continued)

Company

Principal activities

Country of
incorporation
and place of
business

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd

Medipark Clinic (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Dormant

Newcastle Private Hospital (Pty) Ltd* (50% plus 1 share)

South Africa

Healthcare services

Phodiclinics (Pty) Ltd 

Practice Relief (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Deregistered

South Africa

Provision of debt collection and 
related services

Interest in capital1

31 March
2017
%

31 March
2016
%

100.0 

100.0 

50.0 

50.0 

 – 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

Victoria Hospital (Pty) Ltd* (50% plus 1 share)

South Africa

Healthcare services

50.0 

50.0 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Holdings (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd

Mediclinic Capital (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd 

Mediclinic Otjiwarongo (Pty) Ltd 

Mediclinic Properties (Swakopmund) (Pty) Ltd 

Mediclinic Properties (Windhoek) (Pty) Ltd 

Mediclinic Swakopmund (Pty) Ltd 

Mediclinic Windhoek (Pty) Ltd

Hospital Investment Companies 

Namibia

Namibia

Namibia

Namibia

Namibia

Namibia

Investment holding company

Healthcare services

Property ownership and 
management

Property ownership and 
management

Healthcare services

Healthcare services

Mediclinic Bloemfontein Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Cape Gate Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Cape Town Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Constantiaberg Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Durbanville Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Emfuleni Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic George Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Highveld Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Hoogland Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Kathu Investments (Pty) Ltd 

South Africa

Dormant

Mediclinic Klein Karoo Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Legae Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Milnerton Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Morningside Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Nelspruit Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Panorama Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Plettenberg Bay Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Sandton Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Secunda Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Stellenbosch Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Vereeniging Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Vergelegen Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Welkom Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

Mediclinic Worcester Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Hospital investment company

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

96.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

97.2 

96.5 

98.9 

92.8 

99.0 

75.6 

99.4 

84.1 

97.2 

98.6 

99.2 

97.2 

96.4 

98.7 

93.5 

99.0 

75.6 

99.4 

82.9 

98.6 

98.6 

99.2 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

93.1 

99.6 

99.4 

79.0 

98.7 

98.7 

76.4 

95.0 

92.9 

81.8 

90.8 

99.0 

93.1 

91.4 

97.3 

94.3 

99.6 

99.4 

79.7 

98.6 

99.1 

76.9 

94.5 

92.8 

81.8 

90.8 

99.0 

94.3 

92.2 

99.3 

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

213

SUBSIDIARIES (continued)

Company

Indirectly held through Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd

Mediclinic Barberton (Pty) Ltd*

Mediclinic Ermelo (Pty) Ltd*

Principal activities

Country of
incorporation
and place of
business

South Africa

Healthcare services

South Africa

Healthcare services

Mediclinic Hermanus (Pty) Ltd* (50% plus 1 share)

South Africa

Healthcare services

Mediclinic Kimberley (Pty) Ltd*

Mediclinic Limpopo (Pty) Ltd$*

South Africa

Healthcare services

South Africa

Healthcare services

Mediclinic Potchefstroom (Pty) Ltd*

South Africa

Healthcare services

Mediclinic Upington (Pty) Ltd* 

South Africa

Healthcare services

Indirectly held through Howick Private Hospital Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Interest in capital1

31 March
2017
%

31 March
2016
%

77.0 

50.1 

53.2 

89.4 

50.0 

86.8 

50.0 

77.0 

50.1 

50.0 

88.6 

50.0 

88.3 

50.0 

Howick Private Hospital (Pty) Ltd*

South Africa

Healthcare services

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Limpopo (Pty) Ltd

Mediclinic Limpopo Day Clinic (Pty) Ltd 

South Africa

Day clinic investment company

60.2 

64.7 

Mediclinic Limpopo Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Investment holding company

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Durbanville Investments 
(Pty) Ltd

Mediclinic Durbanville Day Clinic (Pty) Ltd 

South Africa

Day clinic investment company

89.9 

89.9 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Tzaneen (Pty) Ltd

Mediclinic Tzaneen Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Investment holding company

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Victoria Hospital (Pty) Ltd

Victoria Hospital Investments (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Investment holding company

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Curamed Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Curamed Hospitals (Pty) Ltd

Curamed Properties (Pty) Ltd

Indirectly held through Curamed Hospitals (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

Healthcare services

South Africa

Property ownership and 
management

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

Mediclinic Thabazimbi (Pty) Ltd 

South Africa

Healthcare services

76.0 

76.0 

Indirectly Held through ER24 Holdings (Pty) Ltd

ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd

ER24 Trademarks (Pty) Ltd

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Holdings Netherlands B.V

South Africa

Emergency medical services

South Africa

Intellectual property holding 
company

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

Mediclinic Luxembourg S.à.r.l

Luxembourg

Intermediary holding company

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Luxembourg S.à.r.l.

Hirslanden AG

Indirectly held through Hirslanden AG 

AndreasKlinik AG Cham 

Hirslanden Bern AG

Hirslanden Clinique La Colline SA

Hirslanden Freiburg AG, Düdingen

Hirslanden Klinik Aarau AG

Switzerland

Intermediary holding company 
and operating company of the 
Hirslanden group

100.0 

100.0 

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Switzerland

Healthcare services

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

214

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

Interest in capital1

31 March
2017
%

31 March
2016
%

100.0 

100.0 

80.0 

100.0 

100.0 

80.0 

SUBSIDIARIES (continued)

Company

Principal activities

Country of
incorporation
and place of
business

Indirectly held through Hirslanden AG 

Hirslanden Klinik Am Rosenberg AG

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Hirslanden Lausanne SA

IMRAD SA

Klinik Belair AG

Klinik Birshof AG

Klinik St. Anna AG

Klinik Stephanshorn AG

Radiotherapie Hirslanden AG

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Switzerland

Healthcare services

100.0 

100.0 

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Switzerland

Healthcare services

Switzerland

Healthcare services

99.7 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

99.7 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Hirslanden Klinik am Rosenberg AG 

Klinik am Rosenberg Heiden AG

Switzerland

Healthcare services

99.2 

99.1 

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Middle East Holdings Limited

Mediclinic International Co Limited

Emirates Healthcare Holdings Limited

Indirectly held through Emirates Healthcare Holdings Limited

Welcare World Holdings Limited

Emirates Healthcare Limited

Indirectly held through Emirates Healthcare Limited 

American Healthcare Management Systems Limited 

United 
Kingdom

British Virgin 
Islands

British Virgin 
Islands

British Virgin 
Islands

British Virgin 
Islands

Dormant

100.0 

100.0 

Intermediary holding company 

100.0 

100.0 

Healthcare services

100.0 

100.0 

Healthcare services

100.0 

100.0 

Management services

100.0 

100.0 

Delah Cafe FZ LLC (incorporated in October 2016)

UAE

Food and catering

Emirates Healthcare Estates Limited

Mediclinic Al Quasis Clinic LLC2

Mediclinic Beach Road LLC2

Mediclinic City Hospital FZ LLC

Mediclinic Clinics Investment LLC2

Mediclinic Ibn Battuta Clinic LLC2

Mediclinic Medical Stores Co LLC2

Mediclinic Mirdif Clinic LLC2

Mediclinic Parkview Hospital LLC2

The Manchester Clinic LLC2 (previously held by  
Mediclinic Hospitals LLC)

Welcare Hospitals Limited 

Welcare World Health Systems Limited 

Indirectly held through Welcare Hospitals Limited

British Virgin 
Islands

Property management

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

Healthcare services

Healthcare services

Healthcare services

Healthcare services

Healthcare services

Procurement

Healthcare services

Healthcare services 

Healthcare services

100.0 

100.0 

 – 

100.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

100.0 

100.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

24.0 

British Virgin 
Islands

British Virgin 
Islands

Healthcare services

100.0 

100.0 

Healthcare services

100.0 

100.0 

Mediclinic Welcare Hospital LLC2

UAE

Healthcare services

49.0 

49.0 

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

215

SUBSIDIARIES (continued)

Company

Principal activities

Country of
incorporation
and place of
business

Interest in capital1

31 March
2017
%

31 March
2016
%

Indirectly held through Welcare World Holdings Limited

Mediclinic Corniche Medical Centre LLC2

Mediclinic Pharmacy LLC2

UAE

UAE

Healthcare services

Healthcare services (pharmacy)

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

49.0 

Indirectly held through Welcare World Health Systems Limited

Mediclinic Middle East Management Services FZ LLC

UAE

Healthcare Management services

100.0 

100.0 

Indirectly held through Al Noor Holdings Cayman Limited / 
ANMC Management Limited 

Al Noor Golden Commercial Investment LLC  
("Al Noor Golden")3

Indirectly held through Al Noor Golden

Mediclinic Hospitals LLC (previously named Al Noor  
Medical Company – Al Noor Hospital – Al Noor Pharmacy  
and Al Noor Warehouse LLC)4

Indirectly held through Mediclinic Hospitals LLC

Al Noor Hospital Family Care Centre – Al Mamoora LLC6

Emirates American Company for Medical Services LLC

Rochester Wellness LLC

Abu Dhabi Medical Services LLC

National Medical Services LLC

Al Noor Hospital Medical Centre Khalifa City LLC7

Al Madar Medical Centre LLC5

Aspetar Al Madar Medical Center LLC (previously named  
Aspetar Al Madar Rehabilitation Centre LLC)8

Al Noor Hospital Clinics Al Ain LLC

Pharmalight Medical Stores LLC

Indirectly held through Al Madar Medical Centre LLC

Lookwow Oneday Surgery Company LLC

Lookwow Pharmacy LLC9

UAE

Intermediary holding company 

49.0 

49.0 

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

Oman

Oman

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

Intermediary holding company 
and operating company for  
Al Noor business

99.0 

99.0 

Healthcare services

Sold during the year

Sold during the year

Sold during the year

Sold during the year

Healthcare services

Healthcare services

Healthcare services 

Healthcare services

Procurement

Healthcare services

Healthcare services (pharmacy)

100.0 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

49.0 

73.0 

49.0 

99.0

99.0 

76.0

49.0

100.0 

100.0 

49.0 

70.0 

70.0 

 – 

48.0 

48.0 

99.0

 – 

76.0

–

216

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

SUBSIDIARIES (continued)
Notes
1 

 The actual equity interest in the UAE entities are disclosed herein, with the beneficial interest further explained 
in the notes.

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

 In  terms  of  the  constitutional  and  contractual  arrangements  the  Group  has  full  management  control  and  an 
economic interest of 100% in these UAE entities.

 Al  Noor  Holdings  Cayman  Limited  (“ANH  Cayman”)  holds  48%  and  ANMC  Management  Limited  
(”ANMC  Management”)  holds  1%  in  the  share  capital  of  Al  Noor  Golden  Commercial  Investment  LLC  
(”Al Noor Golden”), collectively 49%. The remaining 51% is held by Al Noor Commercial Investment LLC (”ANCI”). 
The constitutional documents of Al Noor Golden provide ANH Cayman with the right to receive up to 89% of 
all distributions by Al Noor Golden, ANMC Management the right to receive 1%, and ANCI the right to receive 
the remaining 10%. In terms of the Mudaraba Agreement, ANH Cayman has the right to receive 99% of ANCI’s 
right to receive 10% of the distributions of Al Noor Golden. Al Noor Cayman and ANMC Management therefore, 
collectively, have an effective beneficial interest of 99.9% in Al Noor Golden.

 The First Arabian Corporation LLC holds 99.33% and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Butti Al Hamed holds the remaining 
0.67% in ANCI. ANCI holds 51% of the issued share capital of Al Noor Golden, and 1% of the issued share capital of 
Mediclinic Hospitals LLC. ANMC Management is appointed as the manager of ANCI. Pursuant to a shareholders 
agreement and a Mudaraba agreement, 99% of ANCI’s profit or loss should be distributed to ANH Cayman.

 Al Noor Golden holds 99% of the issued share capital of Mediclinic Hospitals LLC, with the remaining 1% held by 
ANCI. Al Noor Golden has the right to be appointed at the proxy of ANCI, to attend and vote at all shareholder 
meetings of Mediclinic Hospitals LLC.

 Mediclinic Hospitals LLC holds 73% of the issued share capital of Al Madar Medical Center LLC, with the remaining 
27% interest held by ANCI. The Memorandum of Association of the company provides that Mediclinic Hospitals 
LLC is entitled to receive 99% of distributions by the company and ANCI is entitled to receive 1%. The Group’s 
effective beneficial interest in the entity is therefore 99%.

 Mediclinic Hospitals LLC holds 99% and Al Noor Golden holds 1% in the issued share capital of Al Noor Hospital 
Family Care Centre – AL Mamoora LLC, collectively 100%.

 Al Noor Golden holds 49% of the issued share capital of Al Noor Hospital Medical Center – Khalifa City LLC, 
with the remaining 51% held by ANCI. The Memorandum of Association of the company provides that Al Noor 
Golden is entitled to receive 99% of distributions by the company and ANCI is entitled to receive 1%. The Group’s 
effective beneficial interest in the entity is therefore 99%.

 Mediclinic Hospitals LLC holds 49% of the issued share capital of Aspetar Al Madar Medical Center LLC, with 
the  remaining  51%  held  by  ANCI.  The  Memorandum  of  Association  of  the  company  provides  that  Mediclinic 
Hospitals LLC is entitled to receive 99% of distributions by the company and ANCI is entitled to receive 1%. The 
Group’s effective beneficial interest is therefore 99%.

 Al  Madar  Medical  Center  LLC  holds  49%  of  the  issued  share  capital  of  Lookwow  Pharmacy  LLC,  with  the 
remaining 51% held by a third party. The Memorandum of Association of the company provides that Al Madar 
Medical Center LLC is entitled to receive 76% of distributions by the company and the third party is entitled  
to receive 24%. The Group’s effective beneficial interest is therefore 76%.

*  Controlled through long-term management agreements

$  Operating through trusts or partnerships

 
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

217

JOINT VENTURES

Company
Wits University Donald Gordon 
Medical Centre (Pty) Ltd

ASSOCIATES

Country of
incorporation
and place of
business

Principal activities

Interest in capital

31 March
2017
%

31 March
2016
%

South Africa

Healthcare services

49.9

49.9

Company
Listed:
Spire Healthcare Group plc (held through 
Mediclinic Jersey Limited)

Interest in capital
31 March
31 March
2016
2017
%
%

Book value of 
investment

31 March
2017
£’m

31 March
2016
£’m

29.9 

29.9 

459 

451 

Unlisted:
Zentrallabor Zürich, Zürich
Baukonsortium, Cham*
Centre de Reeducation et de Physiotherapie SA*
Centre de Physiotherapie du Sport S.à.r.l.*

53.0 
24.0
20.0
23.0

56.0 
24.0
20.0
–

2 
–
–
–
461 

1 
–
–
–
452 

The nature of the activities of the associates is similar to the major activities of the Group.

* 

 Book value is less than £0.5m.

218

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 
to the members of Mediclinic International plc

REPORT ON THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OUR OPINION

In our opinion, Mediclinic International plc’s company financial statements (the “financial statements”):
•  give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs at 31 March 2017 and of its cash flows  

for the year then ended;

•  have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”)  

as adopted by the European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 
2006; and

•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

WHAT WE HAVE AUDITED

The financial statements, included within the Annual Report and Financial Statements, comprise:
•  the statement of financial position at 31 March 2017;
•  the statement of cash flows for the year then ended;
•  the statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; and
•  the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other 

explanatory information.

Certain  required  disclosures  have  been  presented  elsewhere  in  the  Annual  Report  and  Financial  Statements, 
rather than in the notes to the financial statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and 
are identified as audited.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union and applicable law and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006.

OTHER REQUIRED REPORTING

CONSISTENCY OF OTHER INFORMATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH 
APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS

COMPANIES ACT 2006 REPORTING
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the 

financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable  

legal requirements.

In addition, in light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the 
course of the audit, we are required to report if we have identified any material misstatements in the Strategic 
Report and the Directors’ Report. We have nothing to report in this respect.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

219

ISAS (UK & IRELAND) REPORTING
Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”) we are required to report to 
you if, in our opinion, information in the Annual Report and Financial Statements is:
•  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
•  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the company 

acquired in the course of performing our audit; or

•  otherwise misleading.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

ADEQUACY OF ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND INFORMATION AND 
EXPLANATIONS RECEIVED

Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the company, or returns adequate for our audit have 

not been received from branches not visited by us; or

•  the financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT – COMPANIES ACT 2006 OPINION
In  our  opinion,  the  part  of  the  Directors’  Remuneration  Report  to  be  audited  has  been  properly  prepared  in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

OTHER COMPANIES ACT 2006 REPORTING
Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ 
remuneration specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

220

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE AUDIT

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND THOSE OF THE DIRECTORS

As  explained  more  fully  in  the  Directors’  Responsibilities  Statement  set  out  on  page  129,  the  directors  are 
responsible  for  the  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  and  for  being  satisfied  that  they  give  a  true  and  
fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical 
Standards for Auditors.

This  report,  including  the  opinions,  has  been  prepared  for  and  only  for  the  company’s  members  as  a  body  in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving 
these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report 
is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

WHAT AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INVOLVES

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  ISAs  (UK  &  Ireland).  An  audit  involves  obtaining  evidence  about 
the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements  sufficient  to  give  reasonable  assurance  that  the 
financial  statements  are  free  from  material  misstatement,  whether  caused  by  fraud  or  error.  This  includes  an  
assessment of: 
•  whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the company’s circumstances and have been consistently 

applied and adequately disclosed; 

•  the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and 
•  the overall presentation of the financial statements. 
We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements against available evidence, 
forming our own judgements and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.

We  test  and  examine  information,  using  sampling  and  other  auditing  techniques,  to  the  extent  we  consider 
necessary to provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the 
effectiveness of controls, substantive procedures or a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report and Financial Statements 
to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is 
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the 
course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies, 
we  consider  the  implications  for  our  report.  With  respect  to  the  Strategic  Report  and  Directors’  Report,  we 
consider whether those reports include the disclosures required by applicable legal requirements.

OTHER MATTER

We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Mediclinic International plc for the year ended 
31 March 2017.

Giles Hannam (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
23 May 2017 

COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

221

COMPANY STATEMENT OF  
FINANCIAL POSITION  as at 31 March 2017

Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries

Current assets
Amounts due from related parties
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets

Total assets

Equity
Share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Share premium
Retained earnings
Share-based payment reserve
Treasury shares

Current liabilities
Other payables
Amount due to related parties
Bank borrowing
Derivatives payable

Notes

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

3

4

5
5
5
5
5
5

4
7

5 916

5 916

– 
34
34

47
– 
47

5 950

5 963

74
6
690
5 154
1
(2)
5 923

1
26
– 
– 
27

74
6
690
4 899
1
(2)
5 668

3
26
265
1
295

5 950

5 963

These  financial  statements  as  set  out  on  pages  221  to  230  were  approved  and  authorised  for  issue  by  the 
Board of Directors and signed on their behalf by:

DP Meintjes 
Chief Executive Officer  
23 May 2017 

PJ Myburgh
Chief Financial Officer
23 May 2017

Mediclinic International plc (Company no 08338604)

The notes on pages 224 to 230 form an integral part of these financial statements.

222

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES  
IN EQUITY for the year/period ended 31 March

Capital
redemp-
tion
reserve
£’m

Share
capital
£’m

Share
premium
£’m

Retained
earnings/
(accumu-
lated 
losses)
£’m

Share-
based
payment
reserve
£’m

Treasury
shares
£’m

At 1 January 2015

Profit for the period

Transactions with owners 
of the company:
Reduction of share 
premium

Special dividends declared

Dividends paid in the year 
2015

Reversal of share-based 
payment reserve 

Addition of share-based 
payment reserve 

Tender offer (repurchase of 
shares)

Remgro subscription

Repurchase of Mediclinic 
shares

Addition to treasury shares

Settlement of share-based 
payment reserve

Addition to share-based 
payment reserve

Transfer of share premium/
capital reduction

At 31 March 2016

At 1 April 2016

Profit for the year

Dividends paid in the year 

At 31 March 2017

12

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(6)

7

61

– 

– 

– 

– 

74

74

– 

– 

74

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6

6

– 

– 

6

448

– 

(1)

91

(448)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(523)

593

5 385

– 

– 

– 

448

(383)

(15)

– 

– 

(6)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(4 765)

4 765

690

4 899

690

4 899

– 

– 

317

(62)

690

5 154

2

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1)

1

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2)

1

– 

1

1

– 

– 

1

The notes on pages 224 to 230 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Total
£’m

461

91

– 

(383)

(15)

(1)

1

(529)

600

5 446

(2)

(2)

1

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2)

– 

– 

– 

(2)

5 668

(2)

– 

– 

(2)

5 668

317

(62)

5 923

COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

223

COMPANY STATEMENT OF  
CASH FLOWS for the year/period ended 31 March

12 months
ended
31 March
2017
£’m

15 months
ended
31 March
2016
£’m

Notes

Operating activities
Profit before tax

Adjustments for:

Finance costs

Other income

Loss from derivatives instruments

Dividend income

Net cash used in operating activities before movements  
in working capital

Change in balances with related parties

Change in other payables

Change in derivatives

Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

Investing activities
Dividend received

Repurchase of shares

Issue of shares

Special dividends paid

Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities

Financing activities
Obtaining a bank loan

Repayment of bank loan

Payment of facility fees of bank loan

Settlement of share option reserve

Interest paid

Dividend paid

6

7

Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities

Net movement in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year/period

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year/period

The notes on pages 224 to 230 form an integral part of these financial statements.

317

6

(27)

– 

(303)

(7)

47

(2)

(1)

37

303

– 

– 

– 

303

– 

(265)

– 

– 

(6)

(35)

(306)

34

– 

34

91

6

– 

1

(147)

(49)

13

1

– 

(35)

99

(530)

600

(383)

(214)

313

(46)

(5)

(2)

(2)

(15)

243

(6)

6

– 

224

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2017

1.

STATUS AND ACTIVITY
Mediclinic International plc (the “Company” or “Parent’’) is a Company which was incorporated in England 
and  Wales  on  20  December  2012.  The  address  of  the  registered  office  of  the  Company  is  C/O  Capita 
Company Secretarial Services, 1st Floor, 40 Dukes Place, London, EC3A 7NH. The registered number of 
the  Company  is  08338604.  There  is  no  ultimate  controlling  party.  The  domicile  of  the  Company  is  the 
United Kingdom. The Company is a public liability company with three operating platforms in Southern 
Africa (South Africa and Namibia), Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.

The  activities  of  the  subsidiaries  are  the  operation  of  medical  hospitals  and  clinics  and  the  sale  of 
pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and related equipment.

These  financial  statements  are  the  separate  financial  statements  of  the  Parent  Company  only  and  the 
financial  statements  of  the  Group  are  prepared  and  presented  separately.  The  financial  statements  are 
available at the registered office of the Company.

2.

BASIS OF PREPARATION 
The  Company’s  principal  accounting  policies  applied  in  the  preparation  of  these  financial  statements 
are  the  same  as  those  set  out  in  note  2  of  the  Group’s  financial  statements,  except  as  noted  below.  
These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented.

Investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost less any accumulated impairment.

Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established.

The  Company  is  taking  advantage  of  the  exemption  in  section  408  of  the  UK  Companies  Act  not  to 
present its individual income statement as part of these financial statements.

a) Statement of compliance
The financial statements includes activities for the period from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 (the “year”). 
The  comparative  information  include  activities  for  the  period  from  1  January  2015  to  31  March  2016  
(the “period”).

b) Basis of measurement
The financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the European Union, including IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) 
applicable  to  companies  reporting  under  IFRS.  The  financial  statements  are  prepared  on  the  historical 
cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial instruments to fair value.

c) Functional and presentation currency
The financial statements and financial information are presented in pound, rounded to the nearest million.

d) Going concern
The Company’s financial statements were prepared on a going concern basis. The Directors believe that 
the Company will continue to be in operation in the foreseeable future.

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

225

3.

INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 
This investment is stated at cost less impairment, if any.

Shares at cost

2017
£’m
5 916

2016
£’m
5 916

The investments held by the Company are Al Noor Holdings Cayman Limited, ANMC Management Limited, 
Mediclinic  CHF  Finco  Limited,  Mediclinic  Holdings  Netherlands  B.V.,  Mediclinic  Middle  East  Holdings 
Limited and Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd, each being wholly-owned subsidiaries.

The  activities  of  the  subsidiaries  are  the  operation  of  medical  hospitals  and  clinics  and  the  sale  
of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and related equipment.

At  31  March  2017,  the  market  capitalisation  of  the  Company  was  below  the  carrying  value  of  the  total 
investment  in  subsidiaries  balance  of  £5  916m.  As  a  result  impairment  assessments  were  performed.  
No impairment was required for any of the investments as the value-in-use calculations were higher than 
the carrying values of each individual investment.

Refer  to  the  Annexure  to  the  notes  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  a  complete  listing  
of investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures of the Group and details of the country of 
incorporation, place of business, principal activities and interest in capital.

 
 
226

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.

RELATED-PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
Related-parties comprise the subsidiaries, the shareholders, key management personnel and those entities 
over which the parent, the ultimate parent, the Directors or the Company can exercise significant influence 
or which can significantly influence the Company.

a) Transactions with key management personnel
Key management includes the Directors (Executive and Non-executive)  
and members of the Executive Committee.

Salaries and other short-term benefits

b) Amount due from a related party:
Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

1

–

4

47

This amount included the dividends declared by Mediclinic International (RF) 
(Pty) Ltd on 31 March 2016.

c) Amount due to a related party:
Al Noor Medical Company – Al Noor Hospital – Al Noor Pharmacy LLC

26

26

This amount included the transaction and operational expenses paid by  
Al Noor Medical Company – Al Noor Hospital – Al Noor Pharmacy LLC on 
behalf of the Company. This amount is payable on demand.

Information regarding the Group’s subsidiaries and associates can be found  
in the Annexure to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

d) Dividends received from related parties:
Mediclinic CHF Finco Limited
Mediclinic Holdings Netherlands B.V.
Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd
Mediclinic Middle East Holdings Limited
Al Noor Holdings Cayman Limited

49
7
78
169
–

303

35
–
94
–
18

147

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

227

5.

SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Issued and fully paid 737 243 810 (2016: 737 243 810) shares  
of 10 pence each

Movement of issued share capital and share premium:

2017
£’m

2016
£’m

74

74

1 January 2015
Reduction of share capital
Remgro subscription
Shares issued to Mediclinic 
International (RF) (Pty) Ltd 
shareholders
Tender offer
Second capital reduction

Number of
Shares
million
116 866 203
– 
72 115 384

611 921 099
(63 658 876)
– 

At 31 March 2016

737 243 810

At 31 March 2017

737 243 810

Share
capital
£’m
12
– 
7

Capital
redemption
£’m 
– 
– 
– 

Share
premium
£’m 
448
(448)
593

61
(6)
– 

74

74

– 
6
– 

6

6

5 385
(523)
(4 765)

690

690

Total
£’m
460
(448)
600

5 446
(523)
(4 765)

770

770

a.   The Directors of the Company, having taken legal advice, have redesignated share premium in aggregate of £448m 

from the share premium account to retained earnings. On 20 and 21 January 2016 the Company applied to the court 
for a reduction of the Company’s share premium balance to the amounts of £359m and £89m respectively. 

b.   On 16 February 2016, the Company applied to the Court proposed reduction of share capital from £80m to £74m 
and reduction of share premium from £5 454m (US$8 655m) to £690m (US$1bn). Accordingly, an amount of  
£4 765m has been transferred from the share premium account to retained earnings. 

c.   The Company received legal advice on the scheme of arrangement and the premium on issue of share capital to 
Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd shareholders, did not qualify as merger relief under United Kingdom law.

Other reserves

As at 1 January 2015
Reversal of share-based payment reserve
Addition of share-based payment reserve
Settlement of share-based payment reserve
Addition to treasury shares
As at 31 March 2016
Addition of share-based payment reserve

Share-based
payment
reserve
£’m
2
(1)
2
(2)
– 
1
– 

Treasury
shares
£’m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(2)
(2)
– 

As at 31 March 2017

1

(2)

Total
£’m
2
(1)
2
(2)
(2)
(1)
– 

(1)

228

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.

DIVIDENDS
The Company declared interim dividends for the 2016/17 period and final dividends for the 2015/16 period 
amounting to £62m. The Company paid £35m of these dividends, the remainder of £27m was paid by the 
Dividend Access Trust.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd, formed a Dividend 
Access  Trust  to  comply  with  a  South  African  Reserve  Bank  requirement  that  dividends  from  a  South 
African source due to South African shareholders on the South African share register must be paid locally 
to avoid an outflow of funds from South Africa.

The beneficiaries of the trust are the South African shareholders of the Company who hold their shares via 
the South African share register on the relevant record date in respect of each distribution paid through 
the dividend access scheme. The Dividend Access Trust does not participate in any profits.

When a dividend is declared by the Company, the Dividend Access Trust would receive a dividend from 
Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd which in turn is paid over to the Company’s transfer secretaries 
in South Africa, who arrange for the payment of the relevant amount to the South African shareholders 
(the beneficiaries of the trust) through the usual dividend payment procedures, as if they were dividends 
received from Mediclinic International plc. To the extent that the dividends due to South African shareholders 
are  not  ultimately  funded  from  Mediclinic  International  (RF)  (Pty)  Ltd,  they  receive  those  dividends  as 
normal dividends from Mediclinic International plc. The South African shareholders’ entitlement to receive 
dividends declared by Mediclinic International plc is reduced by any amounts they receive via the trust.

Details  on  the  final  proposed  dividend  has  been  disclosed  in  note  28.7  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.

7.

BANK BORROWING
The  Company  obtained  a  short-term  bridge  facility  of  £400m  of  which  £313m  was  drawn  down  on  
24 February 2016. This loan was fully repaid within this financial year. This loan incurred interest at variable 
rates linked to LIBOR with a minimum base rate of 1% plus 3.75%. The facility was secured in favour of 
lenders  over  the  shares  in  Mediclinic  International  (RF)  (Pty)  Ltd  and  of  Mediclinic  CHF  Finco  Limited, 
Mediclinic Middle East Holdings Limited and Mediclinic Holdings Netherlands B.V.

As at 1 April 2016 (2016: 1 January 2015)
Drawdown during the period
Repaid during the period

Facility costs
As at 31 March

2017
£’m
265
– 
(265)
– 
– 
– 

2016
£’m
– 
313
(47)
266
(1)
265

8.

AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION
The Company incurred an amount of £337 900 (2016: £352 989) to its auditor in respect of the audit of 
the Company and Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017.

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for other services:

Tax advisory services
Audit-related and other services

Relates to services rendered across the Group.

2017
£’m
248
98 
346

2016
£’m
–
–
–

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

229

9.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENT RESERVE
Forfeitable Share Plan
The Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd Forfeitable Share Plan (“FSP”) was approved by the Company’s 
shareholders in July 2014 as a long-term incentive scheme for selected senior management (Executive 
Directors and prescribed officers). This share-based payment arrangement is accounted for as an equity-
settled  share-based  payment  transaction.  With  the  change  in  control  and  the  acquisition  of  the  Al 
Noor Hospitals Group Plc, the performance conditions of FSP have been finalised to the extent that the 
performance conditions were met as at 30 September 2015. The FSP shares will vest after the vesting 
period has lapsed.

Under the FSP, conditional share awards are granted to selected employees of the Group. The vesting of 
these shares is subject to continued employment and measured over a three-year period.

As at 1 April 2016 (2016: 1 January 2015)
Amount of shares transferred from Mediclinic International (RF) (Pty) Ltd
As at 31 March

2017
239 290
– 
239 290

2016
– 
239 290
239 290

A valuation has been determined and an expense recognised over a three-year period. The fair value of 
the TSR performance condition has been determined by using the Monte Carlo simulation model and the 
fair value of the headline earning per share performance condition, consensus forecasts have been used. 

The following assumptions have been used to determine the fair value of the TSR performance condition:

Risk-free rate
Dividend yield
Volatility

2017
7.49%
1.0% 
20%

2016
7.49%
1.0%
20%

Apart from the FSP, there are no other share option schemes in place. Therefore, no Director exercised 
any rights in relation to share option schemes during the reporting period. Al Noor Hospitals Group Plc 
Directors which exercised options before the acquisition date (15 February 2016) is regarded as a pre-
acquisition transaction in these Group financial statements.

10.

TAXATION
At 31 March 2017, the Company had unutilised tax losses of approximately £33m (2016: £20m). No deferred 
tax asset has been recognised in respect of these losses.

230

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
a) Capital risk management
The Company manages its capital to ensure it is able to continue as a going concern while maximising 
the return on equity. The Company does not have a formalised optimal target capital structure or target 
ratios in connection with its capital risk management objective. The Company’s overall strategy remains 
unchanged from the prior year. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

b) Financial risk management objectives
The Company is exposed to the following risks related to financial instruments: credit risk, liquidity risk 
and foreign currency risk. The Company does not enter into or trade in financial instruments, investments 
in securities, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.

c) Credit risk
Exposure to credit risk
The  carrying  amount  of  financial  assets  represents  the  maximum  credit  exposure.  There  is  no  credit  
risk  involved  on  the  Company’s  financial  statements  except  for  the  amount  due  from  a  related  party 
disclosed below:

Amount due from a related party

2017
–

2016
47

d) Liquidity risk
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Directors of the Company, who has 
built an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Company’s short, 
medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. The Company manages liquidity 
risk  by  maintaining  adequate  reserves  by  continuously  monitoring  forecast  and  actual  cash  flows  and 
matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will be unable to meet its funding requirements. The table below 
summarises  the  maturity  profile  of  the  Company’s  non-derivative  financial  liabilities.  The  contractual 
maturities of the financial liabilities have been determined on the basis of the remaining period at the end 
of reporting period to the contractual repayment date. The maturity profile is monitored by management 
to ensure adequate liquidity is maintained. 

The maturity profile of the liabilities at the end of reporting period based on existing contractual repayment 
arrangements was as follows:

31 March 2017
Other payables
Related-party payables

31 March 2016
Other payables
Bank borrowing
Derivative payables
Related-party payables

Carrying
amount
£’m

Contractual
cash flows
£’m 

1 year
or less
£’m

1
26
27

3
265
1
26
295

1
26
27

3
265
1
26
295

1
26
27

3
265
1
26
295

e) Interest rate risk
The Company’s interest rate risk arises from short-term borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates 
expose  the  Company  to  cash  flow  interest  rate  risk.  Interest  rate  expose  the  Company  to  fair  value 
interest  rate  risk.  The  Company’s  policy  is  to  maintain  an  appropriate  mix  between  fixed  and  floating  
rate borrowings.

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

231

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Last date to trade cum dividend (SA register) 
First date of trading ex-dividend (SA register) 
First date of trading ex-dividend (UK register) 
Record date for final dividend 
Shareholder approval at annual general meeting (London) 
Final dividend payment date 
Financial half year 
Half year results announcement and presentation 

DIVIDENDS

Tuesday, 20 June 2017
Wednesday, 21 June 2017
Thursday, 22 June 2017
Friday, 23 June 2017
Tuesday, 25 July 2017
Monday, 31 July 2017
Saturday, 30 September 2017
November 2017

The Company’s dividend policy, details of the final dividend declared and the dividend access trust established 
for South African resident shareholders are provided in the Directors’ Report on page 18 and in note 13 of the 
consolidated financial statements on page 181.

AR

DISTRIBUTION OF ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS AS AT 31 MARCH 2017

UK register
SA register

Certificated
Dematerialised

SHARE PRICE 

Number of
beneficial
shareholders
650
42 694
1 093
41 601
43 344

Number of
shares
163 991 301
573 252 509
406 318
572 846 191
737 243 810

% of issued
22.24
77.76
0.06
77.70
100.00

The latest share price information can be found on the Company’s website at www.mediclinic.com or through 
your broker.

232

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AND CONTACTS

SHAREHOLDER ENQUIRIES
Enquiries relating to shareholdings, including notification of change of address, queries regarding the loss of a 
share certificate and dividend payments should be made to the Company’s registrars:

SHAREHOLDERS ON THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN REGISTER

South African transfer secretary 
Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Ltd 
Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue,  
Rosebank, 2196, South Africa 
Postal address: PO Box 61051,  
Marshalltown, 2107, South Africa 
Tel: +27 11 370 5000 
Fax: +27 11 688 7716 

Namibian transfer secretary
Transfer Secretaries (Pty) Ltd
4 Robert Mugabe Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia
Postal address: PO Box 2401, Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: +264 61 227 647
Fax: +264 61 248 531

SHAREHOLDERS ON THE UK REGISTER 

With effect from Monday, 21 August 2017, the Company will change its UK registrar from Capita Asset Services 
to  Computershare  Investor  Services  plc.  From  this  date,  the  administration  of  the  Company’s  share  register 
will  cease  to  be  provided  by  Capita  and  will  instead  be  provided  by  Computershare.  All  shareholder  services 
previously provided by Capita will be provided by Computershare and any questions relating to the Company’s 
register should be directed to Computershare using the contact details below.

Once  the  change  of  the  share  services  is  complete,  Computershare  will  contact  all  shareholders  on  the  UK 
register with more detail and information including their new Shareholder Reference Number (“SRN”) and how 
shareholders can register for online services to manage their shareholding.

Capita Asset Services (up to Friday, 18 August 2017)
The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU, United Kingdom
Tel: 0871 664 0300 (UK only) or +44 371 664 0300 (if dialling from outside the UK)

Lines are open during normal business hours from 08:30 to 17:30 GMT Monday to Friday, and calls are charged 
at the standard rate. Shareholders can use Capita’s website to check and maintain their records. Details can 
be found at www.signalshares.com.

Computershare (from Monday, 21 August 2017)
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZZ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 370 703 6022
E-mail: WebCorres@computershare.co.uk

Lines are open during normal business hours from 08:30 to 17:30 GMT Monday to Friday and charged at the 
standard rate. Shareholders can use Computershare’s website to check and maintain their records. Details can 
be found at www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus.

Share Dealing Service
Capita and Computershare offer a share dealing service which allows UK resident shareholders to buy and sell 
the Company’s shares. Shareholders can deal in their shares on the internet or by telephone. Please contact the 
Company’s registrar for more details on this service.

ShareGift
If a few shares are held, which low value makes them difficult to sell, you may make a donation to charity through 
ShareGift,  an  independent  charity  share  donation  scheme.  For  further  details  please  contact  the  Company’s 
registrar or ShareGift at telephone number +44 20 7930 3737 or visit their website at www.sharegift.org.

COMPANY INFORMATION

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

233

COMPANY INFORMATION

REGISTRAR/TRANSFER 
SECRETARIES

United Kingdom: 
Capita Asset Services (up to Friday, 18 August 2017)
The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, 
BR3 4TU
Tel: 0871 664 0300 (UK only) or +44 371 664 0300  
(if dialling from outside the UK)

Computershare (from Monday, 21 August 2017)
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZZ, 
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 370 703 6022
E-mail: WebCorres@computershare.co.uk

South Africa:  
Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Ltd 
Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, 2196,  
PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107
Tel: +27 11 370 5000 

Namibia: Transfer Secretaries (Pty) Ltd 
4 Robert Mugabe Avenue, Windhoek,  
PO Box 2401, Windhoek 
Tel: +264 61 227 647 

CORPORATE ADVISORS

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, London

Corporate Broker and Sponsors
Corporate broker:  
Morgan Stanley & Co International plc
JSE (South Africa) sponsor:
Rand Merchant Bank  
(a division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
NSX (Namibia) sponsor:  
Simonis Storm Securities (Pty) Ltd

Legal Advisors
UK legal advisors: Slaughter and May
SA legal advisors: Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc.

Remuneration Consultant
New Bridge Street

Communication Agency
FTI Consulting 
Tel: +44 20 3727 1000
E-mail: businessinquiries@fticonsulting.com

COMPANY NAME AND NUMBER

Mediclinic International plc  
(formerly Al Noor Hospitals Group plc)
(incorporated and registered in England and Wales)
Company number: 08338604

REGISTERED OFFICE

Mediclinic International plc, 40 Dukes Place, London, 
EC3A 7NH, United Kingdom
Postal address: PO Box 456, Stellenbosch 7599,  
South Africa
Tel: +44 20 7954 9600 Fax: +44 20 7954 9886
Ethics Line: +27 12 543 5332 / Toll-free 0800 005 316 
(South Africa only) / ethics@mediclinic.com
E-mail: info@mediclinic.com 
Website: www.mediclinic.com 

LISTING

FTSE sector: Health Care Equipment & Services
ISIN code: GB00B8HX8Z88
SEDOL Number: B8HX8Z8
EPIC Number: MDC
LEI: 2138002S5BSBIZTD5I60
Primary listing: London Stock Exchange  
(share code: MDC)
Secondary listing: JSE Limited (share code: MEI)
Secondary listing: Namibian Stock Exchange  
(share code: MEP)

DIRECTORS

Dr Edwin Hertzog (Chairman) (South African),  
Danie Meintjes (Chief Executive Officer) (South 
African), Jurgens Myburgh (Chief Financial Officer) 
(South African), Jannie Durand (ne) (South African), 
Alan Grieve (ind ne) (British), Seamus Keating  
(ind ne) (Irish), Prof Dr Robert Leu (ind ne)  
(Swiss), Nandi Mandela (ind ne) (South African),  
Trevor Petersen (ind ne) (South African),  
Desmond Smith (Senior Independent Director)  
(South African), Pieter Uys (alternate to  
Jannie Durand) (South African) 

COMPANY SECRETARY

Capita Company Secretarial Services Limited  
(Ms Victoria Dalby)
40 Dukes Place, London, EC3A 7NH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7954 9600
E-mail: MediclinicInternational@capita.co.uk 

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

Mr James Arnold
Head of Investor Relations
14 Curzon Street, London, W1J 5HN, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3786 8180/1
E-mail: ir@mediclinic.com

234

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

GLOSSARY

GLOSSARY

TERM

MEANING

annual general meeting

the annual general meeting of the Company to be held on 
Tuesday, 25 July 2016, the notice of which have been distributed 
to shareholder by Friday, 23 June 2017 and a copy of which is 
available on the Company’s website

Annual Report

this annual report and financial statements for the reporting 
period ended 31 March 2017

Al Noor

Articles

Board

the Al Noor Hospitals Group with operations mainly in Abu Dhabi, 
which forms part of the Group’s operations in the  
United Arab Emirates

the Company’s Articles of Association as adopted in General 
Meeting on 20 July 2016

the board of directors of Mediclinic International plc  
(formerly Al Noor Hospitals Group plc)

CAGR (%)

compounded annual growth rate

cash conversion (%)

cash generated from operations divided by normalised EBITDA 

CCU

CDLI

Combination

Company 

Directors

DRG

EBITDA

FCA

GDP

GRI Standards

Group 

group

HAI

Hirslanden

critical care unit

Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index

the combination of Al Noor Hospitals Group plc and Mediclinic 
International Limited, which was completed on 15 February 2016

Mediclinic International plc (formerly Al Noor Hospitals Group plc)

the directors of Mediclinic International plc 

Diagnosis-related group

operating profit before depreciation and amortisation, excluding 
other gains and losses

the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority

gross domestic product

the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards issued in 2016  
by the Global Sustainability Standards Board, which standards 
represent global best practice for reporting publicly on a range  
of economic, environmental and social impacts

Mediclinic International and its three operating platforms in 
Southern Africa, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates 
(“group” refers to one of the Group’s operating platforms, as  
the context may indicate, as defined below)

one of the operating platforms of the Group, as the context  
may indicate (please note that “group” is as defined in this 
definition and “Group” refers to the entire Mediclinic Group  
as defined above)

healthcare-associated infection

the Group’s operations in Switzerland, trading under the 
Hirslanden brand, with Hirslanden AG as the intermediary holding 
company of the Group’s operations in Switzerland

GLOSSARY

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

235

TERM

IFRS

JCI

JSE

Last Practicable Date

Listing Rules

MEANING

International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the 
European Union

Joint Commission International, an international quality 
measurement accreditation organisation, aimed at improving 
quality of care

JSE Limited, the stock exchange of South Africa based  
in Johannesburg

the date of approval of the Annual Report by the Board, being  
23 May 2017

the listing rules of the FCA applicable to companies listed  
on the LSE, subject to the oversight of the United Kingdom 
Listing Authority

LSE

the stock exchange operated by London Stock Exchange plc

Mediclinic or Mediclinic International

Mediclinic International plc (formerly Al Noor Hospitals  
Group plc)

Mediclinic Middle East

Mediclinic Southern Africa 

the Group’s operations in the UAE, trading under the Mediclinic 
and Al Noor brands, with (a) Emirates Healthcare Holdings 
Limited BVI as the intermediary holding company of the Group’s 
operations in the UAE, mainly in Dubai; and (b) Al Noor Golden 
Commercial LLC as the intermediary holding company of the 
Group’s operations in the UAE, mainly in Abu Dhabi

the Group’s operations in South Africa and Namibia, trading under 
the Mediclinic brand, with Mediclinic Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd as 
the intermediary holding company of the Group’s operations in 
South Africa and Namibia

next financial year

the financial year which commenced on 1 April 2017 and ending 
on 31 March 2018

NSX

the Namibian Stock Exchange based in Windhoek, Namibia

operating platform/s

period under review

reporting period

Mediclinic Southern Africa, Hirslanden (Switzerland) and 
Mediclinic Middle East and their subsidiaries and associated 
entities, or any one of them as the context may indicate

the financial year which commenced on 1 April 2016 and ended  
on 31 March 2017

the financial year which commenced on 1 April 2016 and ended  
on 31 March 2017

SA

the Republic of South Africa

SA Companies Act

the South African Companies Act, 71 of 2008, as amended

UAE

UK

United Arab Emirates

the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

UK Companies Act

the United Kingdom Companies Act of 2006, as amended

236

MEDICLINIC ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the financial condition, regulatory 
environment in which we operate, results of operations and businesses of Mediclinic and the Group, including 
certain plans and objectives of the Group. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be 
deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations 
that  are  based  on  management’s  current  expectations  and  assumptions  and  involve  known  and  unknown 
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those 
expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements 
concerning  the  potential  exposure  of  Mediclinic  to  market  risks  and  statements  expressing  management’s 
expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions, including as to future potential cost 
savings,  synergies,  earnings,  cash  flow,  production  and  prospects.  These  forward-looking  statements  are 
identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “goals”, 
“intend”, “may”, “objectives”, “outlook”, “plan”, “probably”, “project”, “risks”, “seek”, “should”, “target”, “will” and 
similar terms and phrases.

REPORT PROFILE

SCOPE, BOUNDARY AND 
REPORTING CYCLE

This Annual Report and Financial Statements (“Annual 
Report”) of Mediclinic International plc (the “Company” 
or “Mediclinic”) presents the financial results, and the 
economic,  social  and  environmental  performance 
of  the  Mediclinic  Group  for  the  financial  year  ended  
31 March 2017 (the “reporting period”), and covers the 
Company’s operations in Southern Africa, Switzerland 
and the United Arab Emirates (the “Group”). 

REPORTING PRINCIPLES

The  information  in  this  Annual  Report  is  deemed  to 
be  useful  and  relevant  to  our  stakeholders,  with  due 
regard  to  our  stakeholders’  expectations  through 
continuous  engagement,  or  that  the  Board  believes 
may influence the perception or decision-making of our 
stakeholders. The information provided aims to provide 
our stakeholders with an understanding of the Group’s 
financial, social, environmental and economic impacts 
to enable them to evaluate the ability of Mediclinic to 
create and sustain value for our stakeholders. 

This  Annual  Report  was  prepared  in  accordance  with 
the  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards,  the 
LSE  Listing  Rules,  the  JSE  Listings  Requirements, 
the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code,  and  the  UK  
Companies  Act  (including  the  recently  promulgated 
Companies,  Partnerships  and  Group  (Accounts  and 
Non-Financial  Reporting)  Regulations  2016)  aimed  at 
improving  the  transparency  of  companies  regarding 
non-financial and diversity information, where relevant. 
The  Company  applied  the  majority  of  the  principles 
contained  in  the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code. 
Principles  not  applied  are  explained  in  the  Corporate 
Governance  Statement, 
in  this  Annual 
Report.  The  Company’s  reporting  on  sustainable 
development  included  in  this  report,  supplemented  
by  the  Sustainable  Development  Report    available 
on  the  Company’s  website  at  www.mediclinic.com, 
was  done  in  accordance  with  the  GRI  Sustainability 
Reporting  Standards  2016  and  the  Non-Financial 
Reporting Regulations 2016 referred to above. 

included 

AR

SDR

EXTERNAL AUDIT AND 
ASSURANCE

The  Company’s  annual  financial  statements  and  the 
Group’s consolidated annual financial statements were 
audited by the Group’s independent external auditors, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP, 
in  accordance  with 
International Standards of Auditing (UK and Ireland). 

The  Group  follows  various  other  voluntary  external 
accreditation,  certification  and  assurance  initiatives, 
complementing  the  Group’s  combined  assurance 
model, as reported on in the Risk Management section 
of this report The Group believes that this adds to the 
transparency and reliability of information reported to 
our stakeholders. 

AR

GLOSSARY

Please  refer  to  the  glossary  of  terms  used  in  this  report  on 
pages 234 to 235.

AR

G R E Y M AT T E R   &   F I N C H  # 11076

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www.mediclinic.com

ANNUAL REPORTAND FINANCIALSTATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 March 2017