NI private health spending almost quadruples in five years

Health service spending on private providers has almost quadrupled in the past five years, with the total during the period surpassing £150million.

Northern Ireland's health trusts spent £59million on private hospitals and clinics during 2021-22 compared to £16.79million in 2017-18, new figures show.

Belfast Trust spent the most over the five-year period at more than £68million, including more than £22million in the most recent financial year alone.