Patient accommodation support to increase

Financial support for accommodation for patients heading to the UK for treatment is to rise from next month.

From June 1 maximum payments will go up to £50 per person per night - £74 if in London -  a rise of 80 per cent from the previous amount and the first time it has gone up since 2004.

The move was taken by Health Minister, David Ashford MHK, after a departmental review on the matter which concluded in April.

Mr Ashford says he hopes it will give comfort to those travelling for treatment, and the levels wil remain under review to continue to offer 'substantial support' to those who need it.