HSE savings wiped out by agency bill

SAVINGS made by the HSE under a new medical staff agency contract have been wiped out by an increased reliance on agency staff this year.

The health authority’s performance report for August reveals that, despite the reduction in the unit cost of agency hours since March, the overall cost is increasing.

The average monthly spend on doctors had increased by almost 40% after eight months, while the average monthly spend on healthcare assistants increased by 17%.