A decision at the Bristol South and West Primary Care Trust to use the music of pan pipes to calm British patients is being criticized as costly.

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The BBC reported that officials have begun to criticize the $11,000 project for being unnecessary and partially responsible for the health trust facing nearly $1.9 million in debt for 2006.

"With a nurse earning about 10 pounds to 12 pounds ($18 to $22) an hour, this could have paid for about 600 hours of nursing," said a Patients Association spokeswoman.

Dr. Francis Biley of the trust has defended the use of funds for the projects, which will feature three musicians playing pan pipe, harp and folk music to patients waiting for surgery at 13 area locations.

"Anything that integrates the arts into the wider community is a good thing," he told the BBC.

"Let's not have it as a place you go when you're feeling down and lousy, but let's have it as part of the community," Biley added.