Consultants' study leave--value for money?

The consultants in a single large acute hospital trust were given a personal allocation of 500.00 pounds for study leave and asked to supply reports on the purpose and value of that leave. The majority of consultants (82%) took leave during the 12-month period at an average cost of 182.80 pounds for each episode. Most was regarded of value and the majority was shared with other members of staff.