Medical agencies will no longer have to go through NHS Professionals when supplying  medical locums and doctors to the NHS.

A bulletin sent to agencies says that from 1 April NHS Trusts “will deal directly with your agency in regards to the booking of your staff”.

The bulletin, from Fiona Thomson, director of doctors’ service at NHS Professionals, says NHS Professionals will continue to process bookings until 31 March, but that after this date, “all bookings and extensions should be made directly with the trust”.

The changes only apply to the NHS Professionals doctors’ service, and there are no alterations to its nursing, admin and clerical services.

Thomson says NHS Professionals will be arranging meetings with agencies “to ensure we can address any concerns you may have around invoicing.” 

Steve Porter, operations director of Mediplacements told Recruiter that “removing the middleman” will lead to a faster service.  Agencies will also get paid quicker, he adds. 

Salim Shahul, chief executive of dr-locums, says it will make it more profitable for medical agencies to supply NHS Trusts.

For more detail, see Recruiter  4 February