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07/03/2012
NHS Spend £109m On Locum Doctors
Health Trusts in Northern Ireland have spent a staggering £109m on employing locum doctors over the past five years, it has been revealed.
According to a report compiled by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) £74 million was spent on hiring doctors from recruitment agencies to cover short-term vacancies.
Meanwhile it is also reported that the NHS in the region spent an additional £35 million in the period paying its own staff overtime to cover unfilled shifts.
The size of the bill from outside agencies has prompted warnings from PAC- it is understood that the committee believe private agencies have the trusts "over a barrel". They also allege that external doctors in some cases are being paid more than three times the rate of their NHS counterparts.
PAC said the system must be tightened to ensure money is better spent.
In response a spokeswoman from the Department of Health said: "The department welcomes the publication of the report and will consider the committee's recommendations fully."
(LB)
According to a report compiled by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) £74 million was spent on hiring doctors from recruitment agencies to cover short-term vacancies.
Meanwhile it is also reported that the NHS in the region spent an additional £35 million in the period paying its own staff overtime to cover unfilled shifts.
The size of the bill from outside agencies has prompted warnings from PAC- it is understood that the committee believe private agencies have the trusts "over a barrel". They also allege that external doctors in some cases are being paid more than three times the rate of their NHS counterparts.
PAC said the system must be tightened to ensure money is better spent.
In response a spokeswoman from the Department of Health said: "The department welcomes the publication of the report and will consider the committee's recommendations fully."
(LB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
