The National Health Service in Scotland has been accused of wasting millions of pounds on temporary nurses.

The Accounts Commission says bad planning has led to an over-reliance on expensive nursing agencies which is costing £25m a year.

The Accounts Commission, which monitors the way in which public money is used, acknowledges that temporary nurses provide a valuable service and are vital in helping the NHS to cope with unforeseen staff shortages and unexpected peaks in workload.

But the Commission recommends that they should only be used to fill unexpected nurse shortages which cannot be covered from within existing staffing.

The report argues that hospital trusts could avoid using temps by better planning and management of their own nursing staff.

On average, almost 540 nurses from temping agencies are used each day in the NHS in Scotland.

The Royal College of Nursing in Scotland believes this is a waste of money.

Nursing banks

Margaret Pullin, secretary of the RCN in Scotland, said: "Every trust has to look very carefully at how it is managing its staffing resources and there's no doubt it can be done better whether you've got the computer technology or not."

The Accounts Commission says that if it is necessary to take on temporary nurses, they should, wherever possible, come from the nursing banks which many trusts operate rather than from private nursing agencies.

It argues that bank nurses are the preferred option because trusts control their quality and suitability and they are more likely to be familiar with the working environment.

They are also cheaper to employ than agency nurses.

Improved working conditions

Nursing agency bosses argue, though, that their nurses are often ex-NHS staff who have turned to agencies for better working conditions.

Lorna Levitt, of Ace Nursing Agency, said: "The National Health Service is not as flexible because you're taken onto a full-time post with set hours.

"Sometimes the off-duty is made up to suit all staff, it doesn't necessarily suit your own needs."

The report, which also highlights good working practices, has been welcomed by the Scottish Executive.

Health Minister Susan Deacon said: "There have been some excellent steps taken in different parts of the country to improve practice. I want that to be the norm across the country.

"I'll be working with nursing representatives to make sure the highest standards apply across Scotland.