In just two years, Leeds Hospitals NHS Trust spent £219,110 on paintings, sculptures and other adornments to brighten up corridors and wards. The revelation comes as the trust which runs city hospitals grapples with a £6m projected debt.
However, ma
nagers today pointed out that only £11,000 had been spent from their health budget, with the rest coming from charitable donations.
And they say the cash was spent on visits by artists and writers – not just installations and paintings.
The figures were revealed in the House of Commons after questions were put to Health Minister Jane Kennedy.
She also admitted that York Hospital had spent £34,066, Bradford around £5,797, Scarborough £13,000 and Harrogate £2,187.
Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust – which runs services in Wakefield and Dewsbury – notched up around £2,000. That trust is facing one of the heaviest budget deficits in the country.
In total, it is believed that hospitals in the UK have spent more than £9m on art.
In August a £70,000 polished piece of granite placed at the entrance of the newly opened University College Hospital in central London was derided by critics who dubbed it a "pebble".
Tory health spokesman Tim Loughton said the spend was an "incredible waste of money" He added: "Money should go on patients – not paintings.
"Patients will find it galling that at a time when staff are being sacked and operations cancelled so much money is going on questionable works of art."
The Patients Association, however, believes that artwork and other projects can aid patients with their recovery.
A spokesman for Leeds Hospitals NHS Trust said: "The vast majority of funding for arts projects at the Trust comes from charitable and arts funding sources.
"Patients and their families also put money towards arts projects because the experience of being in hospital has brought home to them the importance of a stimulating environment.
"Last year only £11,000 worth of funding came from a health source.
"This money was used to set up arts events and visits by artists and writers to children and older patients.
"These events are strongly supported by nursing and medical staff as they can help lift patients' spirits."
vicki.robinson@ypn.co.uk
