The Government has been giving nurses wage rises well above the rate of inflation but they are still not properly paid.

That's why many of them are leaving the profession altogether, or taking up temporary jobs.

This has created a boom for firms such as Abacus Care of Crowborough, which is recruiting staff rapidly to cover demand in hospitals and care homes.

It's good to know that there is a steady supply of nurses available to cover gaps.

But it would be far better for the care of patients overall if more nurses were employed on a permanent basis.

While pay rises in recent years for nurses have been welcome, they will have to be continued in the future.