The verdict in three sentences
A bespoke management platform for a private clinic costs GBP 55,000 to GBP 140,000 (roughly EUR 65,000-165,000) in 2026, with a 6-12 month build and maintenance around GBP 800/month. Below 20 clinicians, an off-the-shelf platform (Cliniko, Semble, or an EPR vendor) stays cheaper; above that, bespoke amortises fast because you drop per-seat licensing. The two budget drivers are compliant data hosting (DSPT/UK GDPR) and the number of interfaces (lab, imaging, accounting) you connect.
What the budget covers
A private clinic build combines several critical modules. The electronic patient record (EPR), multi-clinician scheduling, billing (insurers, self-pay) and secure hosting form the mandatory core. Every third-party interface adds integration cost.
| Module | 2026 range (GBP) | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| EPR + history + documents | 16,000 - 36,000 | 2 - 4 months |
| Multi-clinician & room scheduling | 9,000 - 20,000 | 1 - 2 months |
| Billing & insurer claims | 11,000 - 27,000 | 2 - 3 months |
| Patient portal (booking, results) | 7,000 - 18,000 | 1 - 3 months |
| Interfaces (lab, imaging, accounts) | 5,500 - 22,000 | 1 - 3 months |
| Security & DSPT compliance | 5,500 - 12,000 | 1 - 2 months |
Recurring costs matter from day one: they set the total cost of ownership (TCO) over five years, usually more telling than the purchase price.
| Recurring item | 2026 estimate (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Maintenance & enhancements | 800 / month |
| Compliant clinical hosting | 300 - 700 / month |
| Support & on-call | 180 - 450 / month |
| Regulatory updates/year | 4,500 - 10,000 |
| Backup & DR | 130 - 350 / month |
Bespoke vs off-the-shelf
Platforms like Cliniko or Semble bill per clinician per month (order of magnitude GBP 80-160/clinician/month in 2026). For a 30-clinician clinic that is GBP 28,800 to 57,600/year in recurring licences. A bespoke build at GBP 100,000 + GBP 800/month maintenance costs about GBP 19,600/year amortised over five years. The tipping point is usually above 20 clinicians or when specific flows (day surgery, packages, insurer contracts) do not fit a standard product.
Mini case study
Sarah runs a 28-clinician private clinic in London. She currently pays GBP 36,000/year in vendor licences and loses a half-time administrator to re-keying between diary, billing and accounts. A bespoke build at GBP 100,000 + GBP 800/month costs about GBP 109,600 in year one, then GBP 9,600/year. From year 2 she saves the licences (GBP 36,000) and 0.5 FTE (around GBP 19,000 loaded), i.e. GBP 55,000/year in gains against GBP 9,600 in cost: payback in roughly 24 months.
FAQ
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What does private clinic software really cost in 2026?
Between GBP 55,000 and GBP 140,000 depending on modules and interfaces. A mid-size clinic (20-30 clinicians) typically lands around GBP 90,000-110,000.
Is compliant clinical hosting mandatory?
Yes, as soon as you hold personal health data. Budget GBP 300-700/month for DSPT-aligned, UK GDPR-compliant hosting; it is a non-negotiable line item.
How long until go-live?
Six to twelve months depending on scope. An EPR + scheduling + billing core usually ships in 6-8 months; analyser and imaging interfaces extend the timeline.
At how many clinicians does bespoke pay off?
Generally above 20 clinicians, or when your specific flows justify leaving a per-seat standard product.
Can we start with one module and extend later?
Yes. Many clinics begin with scheduling and billing (GBP 55,000-65,000) then add EPR and patient portal in phases.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your scope (clinician count, EPR/scheduling/billing modules, interfaces, hosting) and target budget; we will model five-year TCO. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
