HC Deb 14 November 2000 vol 356 c604W
Mr. Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many agency nurses were employed in the NHS, and at what total cost, in each year since 1979 for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [137120]

Mr. Denham

The information requested is given in the table.

NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Agency nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff in England as at 30 September in each year
Whole time equivalents
1979 4,020
1980 4,220
1981 3,760
1982 3,040
1983 2,440
1984 3,750
1985 4,120
1986 5,450
1987 6,130
1988 6,240
1989 7,230
1990 1
1991 3,930
1992 3,230
1993 4,780
1994 4,440
1995 1
1996 1
1997 1
1998 1
1999 1
1 Not available—agency staff not collected in these years

Notes:

Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

Source:

Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.