Recruiters have a vital role in providing effective workforce planning to protect patients, according to Jo Johal head of doctors and Allied Health Professionals at healthcare staffing agency PULSE.

Johal’s comments follow research from the Royal College of Surgeons, which show that surgeons across the country believe that NHS patients are much less safe since the August introduction of European Working Time Regulation (EWTR).

Surgeons believe the 48 hour working limits damage continuity of patient care and there is a ‘grey market’ of doctors willing to covertly breaking the legislation to maintain care for patients.

Johal told Recruiter that the directive itself does pose a serious threat to patient care unless the NHS takes action and works with agencies as there is such a doctor shortage.

“It is about effective workforce planning and using flexible solutions. An agency has the time and experience and can share best practice. We have a very good idea of what their planning is going to look like with seasonal demand. We have the time to come up with a solution to allow them to focus on what they do best.

“Trust planning has got better but in looking at September, I have seen a 20% increase in demand for the month. What is interesting is that over 75% of that demand is last minute panic demand and lack of effective planning has led to those last minute panic bookings.”