PROFIT PLUNGE

Shares in Spire Healthcare tumbled more than 18pc in reaction to a 75pc plunge in profits after the hospital group shelled out £27.6m to help compensate victims of disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson.

The company said pre-tax profits for the six months to June 30 fell to £8.9m from £35.7m a year earlier, having set aside millions for a fund to provide redress for about 750 patients who suffered at the hands of Paterson. Spire shares were down around 57.7p, to 252.2p.