§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what proposals she has for ensuring that the arts make the fullest possible contribution to the quality of the health care environment; and if she will make a statement indicating, in particular, what role she sees for Arts for Health, established in 1988 at Manchester polytechnic, as the first centre offering a national service;
(2) what study her Department has made of the pioneering work and achievements of Arts for Health; what consideration is being given to funding an expansion of its work in hospital and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleMinisters have long recognised the valuable contribution the arts can make within the national health service. My department has published three guidance documents on the subject, "Art in the NHS", "The Arts in a Health District" and "Art and Health Care". As part of the NHS management executive's quality initiative, the arts were introduced into the outpatient department demonstration project and have made a valuable contribution. At the "Hospital and Care Premises Management Conference" held in Birmingham between 29 September and 1 October 1992 the arts featured prominently in sessions on "The Caring Environment" and "The International Aspects of Healthcare Design".
While Ministers are supportive of the many initiatives throughout the country, it is for local decision, NHS trust or directly managed unit, as to whether they use the services offered by "Arts for Health" or any other organisation in this field. No moneys are specifically voted for the arts in my Department.