NHS agency and locum staff spending

Request data on how much an NHS board spends on agency nurses and locum doctors.

NHS boards use agency nurses and locum doctors to fill gaps in their workforce. Annual accounts include a total figure, but not which departments are spending the most or how many shifts are being covered.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The total spend on agency nursing staff. 2. The total spend on locum medical staff (doctors). 3. For each, a breakdown by department or specialty (e.g. emergency medicine, general surgery, mental health, general medicine). 4. The number of shifts filled by agency or locum staff during the period, if recorded. I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

The relevant NHS board. Use the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities to find the right board for your area. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • NHS boards publish annual accounts that include total agency and locum spend as a single line. This request asks for the breakdown by department or specialty that is not in the published accounts.
  • Asking separately for nursing and medical locum spend gives a clearer picture than a combined total.
  • If the board says this would exceed the cost limit, drop item 4 and request spending figures only.
  • You can compare the figures you receive against the board’s total staffing budget, published in its annual accounts, to see what proportion goes to temporary staff.