Cocker spaniel tops list of unusual gifts

Meals, beauty vouchers and a cocker spaniel dog are among thousands of pounds worth of gifts that Black Country health workers have received in the line of duty, it emerged today

Staff employed by NHS Dudley alone received £6,117.60 in gifts from patients, drug companies and colleagues during the last year.

A report of items accepted by staff was presented to the trust's board members. Dr Richard Johnson, from Halesowen Health Centre, in Birmingham Street, was given a cocker spaniel puppy worth up to £300 by one of his patients in November.

The doctor of 30 years, who lives in Belbroughton, said: "My patient could not keep their dog due to medical reasons and as my two had died the year before I decided to rehome him.

"Then the Primary Care Trust started saying we had to declare any gifts we received from patients, so I thought I should inform them that I'd taken him on.

"Henry is 14 months old now and he's a little devil. He's definitely the most unusual thing I've been given by a patient. He's got a new home for life."

Among the other items received were a blue Wedgwood China gift set worth £20 and an evening meal worth £492.60 which staff at Wordsley Green Health Centre, in Stourbridge, were treated to in December.

In March, two nurses and two psychiatrists enjoyed a £400 overnight stay and meals at the University of Warwick as they attended an epilepsy masterclass, courtesy of UBC Pharma drugs company, while another worker was given £40 in beauty treatment vouchers.

Staff enjoyed 68 free meals during the year.

In a report to the trust board it said: "Members of staff are required to notify the director of community engagement and primary care of any gift or hospitality received in the course of their work."