§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been allocated to each of the Hull and East Riding hospitals for ward environment budgets each year since 1 October 2000; how much was spent in each year; and for what other purposes was the money used. [89316]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 9 January 2003]: Ward environment budgets are provided to be spent at the discretion of the charge nurse or ward sister. The purpose of these funds are to cater for items such as decoration, furniture and carpets to help improve the facilities for patients. Expenditure relating to ward environment budgets for the Hull and East Yorkshire National Health Service Hospitals Trust is summarised as follows:
In 2000–01, the trust received £185,000 from the Department. This amount was allocated to ward staff and £177,000 was spent by them.In 2001–02, no specific allocation was received by local primary care trusts or hospitals. However the trust allocated an additional £59,000 to its ward environment budget.In 2002–03, no specific allocation was received by local primary care trusts or hospitals. However the trust allocated an additional £227,000 to its ward environment budget.