SUFFOLK Health's cash for the coming year has exceeded all expectations, according to its chief executive.David White, chief executive said health authorities across the country are to receive - on average - almost ten per cent more than previous years, for 2002/03.

By Tracey Sparling

SUFFOLK Health's cash for the coming year has exceeded all expectations, according to its chief executive.

David White, chief executive said health authorities across the country are to receive - on average - almost ten per cent more than previous years, for 2002/03.

Although Suffolk will only get 9.6per cent more because it won't get extra cost-of-living supplements, the county's £45.3million is still well above the promised annual increase of six per cent.

Mr White said: "It has exceeded previous expectations. It is clear the Government is serious in its efforts to increase British National Health Service funding to meet that of its European partners.

"Significant improvements in health and health services will be delivered."

Nationally, the annual budget includes funds earmarked for special areas, like £944,000 for mental health, £756,000 for heart disease, £957,000 for cancer, and £699,000 for information technology.

Suffolk has £9.7m earmarked for Government priorities, but Mr White warned: "It is clear that current proposed commitments exceed the earmarked funds available…difficult choices remain."

Meetings are under way to decide how the money should be shared out between health services and the issue, including a report by Mr White, will be discussed at Ipswich Hospital's board meeting on Friday .