The healthcare arm of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has raised concern over the removal of healthcare professionals from frontline duties due to present financial pressures.

The recently published Dr Foster Hospital Guide shows that the mortality rate for emergency procedures stands at 7.3% during the week, but jumps by a 10th to 8% over the weekend when more consultants are on call or not working.

Ed McRandal, healthcare advisor at the REC, says: “While we understand the NHS will have to make difficult decisions to find £20bn of savings by 2014, the solution must not be cutting back on frontline staff.

“When faced with staff shortages trusts should look to bring on experienced locum professionals, not take a gamble on patient care by understaffing or relying on less qualified professionals.”