NHS agency bill down to £10m

SPENDING on agency staff at cash-strapped NHS Dumfries and Galloway is finally starting to fall.

Locum doctors and nurses last year cost the organisation £10.25 million, compared to £13.74 million the year before.

And the bill for the month of February 2026 was £870,000, described by health bosses as ‘an improvement on last financial year’.

Despite the still-huge figures, they are at pains to stress they have ‘significantly reduced spending on agency staff’ as they continue work to improve the financial position.

Director of finance Keith Dickinson told a board meeting on Monday: “Delivering our recurring savings target and reducing agency expenditure are important achievements which reflect the hard work of teams across NHS Dumfries and Galloway to manage resources responsibly while continuing to support patient care.

“We recognise the significant financial challenges facing health services, both locally and nationally. However, these results demonstrate the progress that can be achieved through careful financial management and a shared focus on ensuring resources are directed where they can make the greatest difference for patients and communities.”

Meanwhile, work is ongoing to address a £47 million black hole in the overall finances of NHS Dumfries and Galloway.