NHS staff spending variation

There are “substantial” variations in the amounts hospital trusts spend on ward staff, an independent watchdog has found.
Even though wards in different hospitals may do virtually the same work, staff costs vary widely according to the Audit Commission.
It also found significant regional variations in its analysis of trusts in England and Wales in 2000
But the commission found no link between spending more on staff and better quality of care for patients.
Trusts in the south west spend more than average on ward staffing, while those in the north and Yorkshire spend less. After adjusting for London weighting, the capital’s hospitals spent almost exactly the average.
The commission said factors such as local labour markets and hospital layouts could account for some, but not all, of the difference.
The commission’s report said the use of nurses and other ward support staff needed to be managed more effectively and efficiently.
But critics said the report raised more questions than it answered.

Tags: variation