Ward Managers

HC Deb 06 May 2004 vol 420 c1811W

Mr. Lansley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether ward managers are provided with NHS purchasing cards. [167705]

Mr. Hutton

The NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency has agreements for the provision of purchase cards to the national health service. In 2001, each ward manager was allocated a budget of £5000 to improve the ward environment. The use of purchase cards was developed as part of this initiative, but it was for decision by individual NHS trust whether to join the scheme and to issue cards to ward managers. As at April 2004, there are 2000 purchase cards being used in the NHS.