A debt-ridden trust which runs several hospitals in Bristol is trying to cut its costs by banning some private nursing agencies.
Around 25% of North Bristol NHS Trust's �44m deficit for 2002 built up as a result of the bill it paid to the private sector.
Now the trust has set up its own agency, NHS Professionals, in a bid to cut down on how much it pays private nursing agencies.
Cost was a major factor behind the decision, with some agencies charging up to �80 an hour and taking an 85% commission.
Specialist staff
Stephen Keith, from the trust, said: "For the first time we have sat down to try to get a consistent rate of pay for nurses, and charge to the trust."
Lorraine Neale used to work for a private nursing agency, and now works through NHS Professionals.
She said: "They gave me the skills and the course to help me back into nursing."
Bristol-based Thornbury Nursing - a private agency no longer used by the hospital - declined to be interviewed.
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