Menu
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.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
15 November 2021
Spend Local Cardholders Urged To 'Spend It Now, Spend It All'
Spend Local cardholders are being urged to "spend it now, spend it all and spend it local". Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call with one month to go before the High Street Scheme closes. Minister Lyons said: "To date over 1.3 million Spend Local cards have been dispatched, with over one million activated and in use.
Spend Local Cardholders Urged To 'Spend It Now, Spend It All'
Spend Local cardholders are being urged to "spend it now, spend it all and spend it local". Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call with one month to go before the High Street Scheme closes. Minister Lyons said: "To date over 1.3 million Spend Local cards have been dispatched, with over one million activated and in use.
29 November 2021
Spend Local Card Holders Urged To 'Spend Every Penny'
Spend Local card holders are being urged to make sure they check the balance left on their cards and to spend every penny of the balance. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call during a visit to The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim. He said: "By now, nearly everyone who applied for their Spend Local card has received it.
Spend Local Card Holders Urged To 'Spend Every Penny'
Spend Local card holders are being urged to make sure they check the balance left on their cards and to spend every penny of the balance. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call during a visit to The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim. He said: "By now, nearly everyone who applied for their Spend Local card has received it.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
