Most NHS Trusts in the North-East of England are looking to reduce their use of agencies, the chief executive of a major NHS Trust has told the NHS Employers annual conference in Birmingham.

Simon Pleydell, chief executive, South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Most chief executives are trying to lessen the need for agency staff. Most of us are working hard to reduce our dependence on agencies."

Pleydell added: "We hardly use any agency staff in the North-East. We have a very stable workforce."

Hugo Mascie-Taylor, medical director, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "There's a place for agencies for some temporary staff, but by and large you will get better patient care when you have a stable workforce.

"Most people will accept that it's better to build a career from a stable base [rather been be an agency worker], Mascie-Taylor added.

Pleydell and Mascie-Taylor were speaking at the NHS Employers annual conference in Birmingham in response to questions from Recruiter.