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 challenges are hospitals facing in staffing during the surge of patients?

How did hospitals respond to the shortage of staff during the peak times?

What were some of the exorbitant rates paid to agency staff mentioned in the text?

What measures did the Department of Health take to address the capacity issues in A&E units?

What impact does the reliance on agency staff have on the NHS according to the text?