The Project Board has allocated nearly £5million to NHS Boards so far this year. An initial tranche in May was followed by a further allocation in July. Most of this money has been earmarked for additional staff and for buying digital hearing aids.

This makes a total of nearly £8million that has been provided since November 2003. The Board and the project manager are closely monitoring how this money is being used. NHS Boards have been asked to report how they have used the funds allocated in 2003/2004 so that the progress towards modernisation can be assessed and a report submitted to Scottish Executive Ministers.