Recruiting drive to reduce bill for agency staff will cut deficit by millions

One of the financial headaches which has weighed down the trust has been the cost of using agency nurses and doctors.

It has been largely responsible for its growing deficit which hit an alarming £39 million two years ago.

But chief executive Matthew Kershaw insists that a vigorous and innovative recruitment campaign is under way which is producing results.

He predicts the deficit will drop to between £20 million and £25 million by the end of March but admits there are still hundreds of clinical jobs which need filling.

“The agency bill is reducing and is significantly lower than last year and we have also made savings in equipment procurement and more efficient use of our theatres.

“There is always a turnover of nurses and doctors as some move on to find certain specialities or posts we cannot offer. But coming out of special measures should also make our hospitals a more attractive place to work,” he said.

He added: “We are looking at a variety of innovative measures to help with recruitment including working with Christ Church University and developing the skills of our existing staff to take on more extended roles.”

He said the trust might also look abroad to fill some roles.

The decision to take the trust out of special measures has been welcomed by Canterbury MP Julian Brazier.

He said: “I was disappointed at the original decision given the many stories I had received about the quality of the care and the dedication of the staff.

“But I’m delighted to see that the CQC has recognised progress in most of the areas it was concerned about.

“Life is hard at the sharp end in the NHS and it is a measure of the dedication of doctors, nurses and supporting staff in the Kent and Canterbury and its sister hospitals that they are making such good progress.

“I very much hope that this will be confirmed by a final decision to remove the hospital from special measures in February.”