Agency doctor paid £130-an-hour for hospital shifts
Jan 5 2009 By Henryk Zientek
A Department of Health spokesman said temporary staff had a key role in helping the NHS meet fluctuations in service demand and staff availability.
The total pay bill spent on agency staff has reduced from 5.5% in 2003-4 to 3.2% in 2007-8.
The spokesman said: "The NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency plays an active role in driving costs down and quality upwards through the development of Agency Framework Agreements and regular audits.
"The NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency uses the NHS’s buying power to negotiate lower pay rates with agencies.
"NHS Professionals was set up with the aim of reducing the dependence on commercial agencies, improving the quality of staff provided and ensuring better value for money."
