NHS Professionals

Thank you for contacting me about NHS Professionals. I know that NHS Professionals is the largest single supplier of flexible staffing to the NHS. I believe that the NHS should maintain a flexible workforce, with adequate supplies of temporary staff, which can meet the shifting needs of the health service.

I understand, the Government wants to maintain a supply of permanent and flexible labour to the NHS, which will tackle agency staffing costs, and ensure maximum value for the taxpayer. I am encouraged to note that agency spend came down by £700 million last year. NHS Professionals helps by saving £70 million a year through supplying staff to hospitals at more affordable rates.

I would like to assure you that the Government's aim is always to improve patient care. I am sure its actions to reduce agency spend will be focused on that objective, and that every pound of the NHS budget is spend as efficiently as possible.

I have been told that due to the commercially sensitive nature of this process, the Government will not make any specific comment on this issue but I know that they are working to ensure that our NHS continues to have the staff it needs to provide the best possible care.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. As more information becomes available on this important issue I will be happy to share it with you.

Yours sincerely,

Jeremy Quin