10/08/2007
NIPSA Brand Hospital Artwork Spending Decision As "Madness"
The health service union NIPSA has hit out at a decision to spend £30m on artwork for Northern Ireland’s hospitals.
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has announced its intention to spend just under £3 billion on its capital projects over the next 10 years, with one per cent of that capital to be spent on artwork.
Confirming the artwork spending policy, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety said that the department recognises the importance of incorporating art in the design and finish of healthcare facilities and it is current policy to provide for art in projects costing no more than one per cent of capital.
Bumper Graham, assistant general secretary of NIPSA branded the spending as ‘madness’ and said that in an ideal world, he would be happy with the provision of artwork for the patients - but not when 1,700 jobs are under threat due to planned health service savings of £48 million over the next three years.
Mr Graham also said that although one per cent sounded like a small amount, it was not when it amounted to £30 million.
The spending came to light when it was revealed that £4 million was being spent on artwork as part of the £400 million redevelopment of the Ulster Hospital at Dundonald.
(SB)
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has announced its intention to spend just under £3 billion on its capital projects over the next 10 years, with one per cent of that capital to be spent on artwork.
Confirming the artwork spending policy, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety said that the department recognises the importance of incorporating art in the design and finish of healthcare facilities and it is current policy to provide for art in projects costing no more than one per cent of capital.
Bumper Graham, assistant general secretary of NIPSA branded the spending as ‘madness’ and said that in an ideal world, he would be happy with the provision of artwork for the patients - but not when 1,700 jobs are under threat due to planned health service savings of £48 million over the next three years.
Mr Graham also said that although one per cent sounded like a small amount, it was not when it amounted to £30 million.
The spending came to light when it was revealed that £4 million was being spent on artwork as part of the £400 million redevelopment of the Ulster Hospital at Dundonald.
(SB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 March 2024
Health Minister Announces 'Public Listening Exercise' On Women's Health
The Department of Health is to undertake a large scale 'public listening exercise' to explore views and opinions on how best to address women's health in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Announces 'Public Listening Exercise' On Women's Health
The Department of Health is to undertake a large scale 'public listening exercise' to explore views and opinions on how best to address women's health in Northern Ireland.
24 January 2024
Belfast City Airport Donates Over £17,000 To AWARE NI
Belfast City Airport has supported AWARE NI with donations totalling £17,774 over a two-year official Charity Partnership.
Belfast City Airport Donates Over £17,000 To AWARE NI
Belfast City Airport has supported AWARE NI with donations totalling £17,774 over a two-year official Charity Partnership.
17 January 2024
People Urged To 'Keep Themselves Safe' This Thursday
People across Northern Ireland have been urged to "keep themselves safe" on Thursday, with snow and ice forecast and widespread disruption to public services anticipated as a result of strike action.
People Urged To 'Keep Themselves Safe' This Thursday
People across Northern Ireland have been urged to "keep themselves safe" on Thursday, with snow and ice forecast and widespread disruption to public services anticipated as a result of strike action.
15 March 2024
Health Minister Outlines Priorities For NI Health Service
Health Minister Robin Swann has outlined his department's priorities for Northern Ireland's health service to MLAs. Minister Swann has said that "with the right combination of ambition, funding and joined up political leadership" NI's health and social care services can be turned around.
Health Minister Outlines Priorities For NI Health Service
Health Minister Robin Swann has outlined his department's priorities for Northern Ireland's health service to MLAs. Minister Swann has said that "with the right combination of ambition, funding and joined up political leadership" NI's health and social care services can be turned around.
31 January 2024
Alliance Backs Call To Save Health Service Dentistry
The Alliance party has backed an urgent call from 720 dentists to save Health Service dentistry, particularly focusing on the reform of dentist contracts.
Alliance Backs Call To Save Health Service Dentistry
The Alliance party has backed an urgent call from 720 dentists to save Health Service dentistry, particularly focusing on the reform of dentist contracts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.