The recent criticism of the increase in the amount spent on locum doctors by the NHS over the last two years and the subsequent speculation over whether or not patient care has suffered as a direct result has served to underline the importance of ensuring high standards in the medical recruitment industry.
Amid all the wrangling between unions, healthcare bosses, politicians and front-line staff, that most pertinent and worthy of questions “Was it worth it?” is perhaps the only line that can be drawn under the debate. The money has been spent. So what then of the services rendered?
With the spectre of healthcare cuts looming overhead, this climate of heightened scrutiny surrounding the use, and indeed, performance of locum doctors, nurses and other specialists is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. The merits of it are threefold. Firstly, an increased demand for the very best professionals and expertise.