[Margaret Pilkington]

There is much less waste in the NHS now than there was, although I still think that it is top heavy with management....as far as your point about agency nurses....I think that might just be wide of the mark. When I left the NHS some years ago we called on our own NHS registered bank nurses....and as a Senior Ward Sister/manager I avoided using Bank nurses at all costs...preferring to call in my own staff to work to cover deficiencies(offering them time off in lieu)...... most of my staff were very helpful in this way....and they knew that if they were in need of a day off and I could give it then I would do. We reciprocated in order to provide safe cover.