Although self-pay admissions rose, overall reported admission figures fall

Despite there being a record 953,000 reported admissions across the UK’s private hospitals in 2025, the total in Northern Ireland declined according to the latest figures from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), the independent, government mandated body which promotes transparency in healthcare and informs patient choice.

There were 23,000 admissions reported by Northern Ireland’s 10 private hospitals in 2025, which was a 5% drop on the number in 2024. The number of patient admissions paid for using private medical insurance were down 11% on the previous year. However, there was an increase in those opting to fund their own admission for a surgical or diagnostic procedure. These patients paid through savings or a loan.

There were fewer admissions for patients in every age group except those aged 40 to 49 and 90 to 99 (the 60 to 69 age group stayed the same).

‘Cataract surgery’ remained the most common reason to be admitted to a private hospital, with the same number of reported admissions (6,295) as in 2024. ‘Knee replacement (primary) also maintained the same level (765).

There were increases in admissions for ‘Hip replacement’ which was up 20% and ‘Hysteroscopy – diagnostic’ (a gynaecological test) which was up 11%.

Richard Wells, Director of Technology and Insights at PHIN said: “Although the admission figures for Northern Ireland were down in 2025, they were the still the second highest ever following growth every year since 2020. It’s too early to tell if this is going to be a longer-term trend, especially as the admissions in Quarter 1 (Jan-Mar) were the highest ever.

“The continued high level of admissions for admitted care shows the importance of the private sector in maintaining and improving health in Northern Ireland. It also demonstrates the role the private sector plays in facilitating patient choice in terms of the procedures they have, where they have them and how they are paid for. Our government-backed, independent website (www.phin.org.uk) is here to help patients understand the choices available to them.”