Review may have over-estimated NHS sick-leave savings

摘要

Potential cost savings on staff sickness absence in the NHS may be nearly half of what a government-commissioned review has challenged the organisation to achieve, according to an Audit Commission report. The watchdog has found that NHS sickness-absence rates vary significantly across England - ranging from 1.6 per cent to 6.8 per cent - and between staff groups. The estimated median direct cost of staff sickness to each NHS organisation is £3.3m per year, and £1660m nationally. Additional indirect costs for temporary staff cover are estimated to average £1.9m for each organisation, and £920m overall.