NHS spending on temporary nurses and doctors has totalled £2.5 billion since Labour came to power, the Liberal Democrats have claimed.

The party has attacked the government's record for spending on agency staff to cover shortages, arguing it was taking cash that could be spent on training and recruiting full-time staff.

Figures released by the party on Friday found 57 trusts had spent more than £10 million, with Guy's and St Thomas NHS Trust spending £53 million.

The party's health spokesman, Paul Burstow, described the situation as ridiculous and claimed NHS staff were being alienated.

"A large percentage of the UK's doctors and nurses are so alienated by NHS working practices and pay, their services are now only available though employment agencies who can negotiate better terms on their behalf," he said.

"The massive expansion in the use of agency staff is tying up resources which should be invested in training and recruitment of full-time NHS nurses and doctors."