Question of hospital art examined

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6961279.stm

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The government is to examine how much money should be spent on artwork in Northern Ireland's hospitals.

Hospital construction budgets allow no more than 1% of available money to be spent on artwork, which includes landscaping, lighting and signs.

Announcing the review, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey dismissed "misleading" reports that £30m could be spent on art over the next 10 years.

He said he wanted the survey to come up with clear guidance on future spending.

The minister also refuted claims that artwork spending would lead to job losses and a decline in patient care.

"This money comes from our capital budget which cannot, under Treasury rules, be used for employment of staff or patient treatment services - these are funded from our revenue budgets," he said.

Michael McGimpsey said nicer environments were therapeuticMr McGimpsey said his duty was to ensure public funds were spent appropriately to secure value for money.

"I recognise the benefits of creating a therapeutic environment for patients as evidence shows that, on average, patients spend less time recovering from operations and require fewer pain-killing drugs," he said.

"High quality patient environments also benefit staff and visitors."