Sky News Investigation Reveals Huge Fees Being Paid For Temporoary Doctors

The transcript discusses the challenges faced by A&E units in England due to overcrowding and the reliance on temporary staff from private agencies. Hospitals have been paying high rates to secure locum doctors and nurses, leading to an inflationary spiral in staffing costs. The Department of Health has provided additional funding but emphasizes the need to reduce reliance on agency staff. The situation has attracted venture capitalists, further complicating the staffing market.

What was one of the main challenges faced by Arrow Park Hospital during the patient surge?

• Power outages

• Lack of medical equipment

• Insufficient food supplies

• Overcrowded wards

How did hospitals attempt to manage the increased demand for staff during the holiday period?

• By closing some wards

• By hiring more permanent staff

• By reducing patient intake

• By turning to private agencies

What was the hourly rate paid to a doctor at Leeds Teaching Hospital?

• £3200

• £156

• £233

• £100

What is one consequence of hospitals paying high rates to agency staff?

• Improved hospital infrastructure

• Inflationary spiral in staffing costs

• Decreased patient satisfaction

• Increased supply of permanent staff

What action did the Department of Health take to address the reliance on agency staff?

• Increased funding for A&E units

• Reduced hospital budgets

• Hired more agency staff

• Closed underperforming hospitals