Managing the supply of NHS clinical staff: we need a more sustainable approach
11 May 2016
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, Managing the supply of NHS clinical staff in England sets a number of recommendations to the Department of Health, NHS Improvement and Health Education England, including:
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Trusts should be supported by the Department of Health, NHS Improvement and Health Education England to reconcile workforce expectations with the need to meet quality and financial targets
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The Department of Health and NHS Improvement are charged to report back to the PAC in December 2016 on progress around reducing agency staff spend
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Health Education England and The Department of Health should assess the potential effect of the new education funding system for on applications for nursing, midwifery and allied health professional courses.
Over 800,000 doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals are employed by the NHS. Providers have been under pressure to reduce staff numbers in order to address efficiency goals, whilst being under simultaneous pressure to ensure adequate staff cover in light of the Mid Staffordshire inquiry.
An additional challenge to the supply of clinical staff is the change proposed in the Spending Review to the funding system for training nurses, midwives and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists. At the present time students looking to join these professions receive a grant and a means tested bursary. Under the proposed changes, such students will need to take out a student loan, and a cap will be introduced on the number of training places available.
The PAC also express concern that there does not appear to be a clear action plan to assess the implications on workforce supply of the introduction of a 7 day NHS and other initiatives set out in the Five year forward view.
“A key part of putting this right will be ensuring that the needs of local areas continue to inform and shape national workforce decisions. Evidence shows that an engaged, supported and valued workforce can deliver even better care for patients and their families.” Chris Hopson
Read the full press release here