He also said that because GPs are now being given additional responsibiltiy fopr commissioning care, they are increasingly calling for external expertise to come in.

Potential candidates also need to be made aware of the opportunities that are available to them, according to Tomlinson.

"When you first talk to candidates, they aren't necessarily aware of the opportunities. It would be really useful if we could get the message out that the NHS is now waking up to the fact that they need these guys," he said.

"The contracts also tend to be very substantial and rates aren't an issue. The NHS needs to make sure its spending its money wisely, but it isn't penny pinching."

Phil Corrin, deputy director of Knowsley Health Informatics Service, agreed with Tomlinson.