§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if all hospitals in England(a) had in 2001–02 and (b) have for 2002–03 in place senior sisters or modern matrons with a ward environment budget of over £5,000. [55269]
§ Mr. HuttonWard environment budgets were introduced on 1 October 2000. In 2001–02 each budget was to be worth be worth a minimum of £5,000 and placed under the direct control of a ward sister or charge nurse. The budget can be spent on whatever the ward sisters and charge nurses that manage the ward consider will best enhance and humanise patient care.
It is the responsibility of each trust to allocate ward environment budgets, worth a minimum of £5,000. Trusts also have the freedom to create larger budgets for some or all of their wards.