A total of 11 recruiters were removed from NHS PASA (Purchasing & Supply Agency) framework agreements during 2008/2009 following audits, according to figures released to Recruiter

The breakdown was as follows:

- Allied health professionals, number of audits completed 71 -  agencies removed 1

- Medical locums number of audits completed 53  - agencies removed 1

- Nursing number of audits completed 346 - agencies withdrawn removed 9
 

Helen MacCarthy, NHS PASA facilities management and utilities director, told Recruiter: “If agencies are audited and theyare not meeting the quality threshold, and they do not improve, they will be taken off. It’s all about improving quality and standards for the NHS.”

The total spend on temporary staffing through the frameworks in 2008/209 was £536.5m

This was made up as follows:

   
Medical locums - £145m
Nursing - £109m
Allied Health Professionals - £55m
Health & Social Services  - £26.5m
Total spend on non-medical  non-clinical frameworks was   £201m.