Minister defends DHSC's work to limit overspending

Overspending at Noble's 'not down to lack of effort' to make reductions

The Health Minister insists his department has worked hard to reduce overspending over the last 12 months.

A report from the Public Accounts Committee found there to be insufficient evidence of improvement from a year ago when looking into overspending at Noble's Hospital.

At a recent hearing of the committee, department CEO Dr Malcolm Couch revealed the DHSC is on course to be £3.5m in the red this year, despite having an increased budget.

However, David Ashford MHK says a number of factors have impacted spending.