§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on contracting with the private sector to undertake functions of NHS Professionals; and if he will make a statement. [39682]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 1 March 2002]: The aim is that NHS Professionals will be used by all NHS organisations as the primary supplier of all temporary staffing requirements for the NHS with, as and when necessary, contracts agreed with commercial agencies to meet any surplus demand.
Plans are currently being developed regarding the undertaking of framework agreements across regional and national boundaries for a number of staff groups.