The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) has published its latest quarterly market update, revealing a record-breaking start to the year for Northern Ireland’s independent healthcare sector.
According to PHIN’s national dataset, private hospital and clinic admissions in Northern Ireland rose by 2% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching a total of 6,230 admissions meaning it was the highest quarterly figure ever recorded. This marks the third consecutive quarter of growth in total reported admissions.
Admissions funded by private medical insurance saw a notable 5% increase, totalling 3,730 cases. This places Q1 2025 as the second-highest quarter for insured admissions, just behind Q4 2024 which had 3,795 admissions. While self-pay admissions declined by 3%, the quarter also marked the first consecutive rise in self-pay activity in over a year, suggesting a potential rebound in patient-funded care.
The number of active consultants in private healthcare also reached a record high of 237, reflecting a 7.7% increase from Q1 2024. This growth underscores the sector’s expanding capacity to meet rising demand.
Demographic trends showed a 3.5% increase in admissions among female patients and a 0.7% rise among male patients. The most significant growth was observed in the 50–59 age group, which saw a 12% increase in admissions.
Commenting on the findings, Richard Wells, PHIN’s Director of Technology and Insights, said:
“The sustained growth in Northern Ireland’s private healthcare sector reflects a broader shift in how patients are accessing care. With record admissions and rising consultant activity, the region is seemingly adapting to meet the country’s healthcare needs.”
“The high levels of admissions emphasise the need for patients to be informed about their healthcare options and the independent, not-for-profit, PHIN website fills that need, with verified details of the hospitals and consultants providing private care, along with a variety of patient guides.”
PHIN is a not-for-profit, independent organisation which is backed by the UK government. Its quarterly updates are based on its unique national dataset, which includes validated hospital activity from private hospitals and clinics across the UK.
