Spire profits not looking healthy

Spire Healthcare Group has blamed an “unprecedented” drop in its NHS patient count for a fall in half-year profits.

The group yesterday reported a 7.9 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to £8.2 million for the six months to 30 June, while underlying earnings tumbled 20.6 per cent to £66.1m. Revenue also suffered, falling 1.1 per cent over the period to £475.6m.