The number of nurses in the NHS in England increased by 13,313 on
last year to a record 299,184, and the number of doctors rose by
6,030 to a record 122,446, figures published today up until the
end of September show.
Professionally qualified clinical staff including paramedics are
at record levels, as are scientific, therapeutic and technical
staff.
Responding to today’s NHS workforce statistics, Health
and Social Care Secretary said:
“This winter will be challenging as we continue to fight this
deadly virus, and I’m hugely grateful to all our staff who
continue to save lives and provide care to those who need it.
“I’m delighted that record numbers of doctors and nurses are
working in our NHS, plus a record pipeline of future talent in
nursing, medicine and general practice.
“We are backing our NHS and thanks to their unrelenting
dedication, we will not only beat Covid but secure the future of
our health service and deliver on our manifesto commitment of
50,000 more nurses.”
The final figures from this year’s admission cycle show there
were 29,740 acceptances to nursing and midwifery courses in
England, 6,110 more than last year and an increase of over a
quarter (26%). The number of new nursing applicants to English
providers between 15 January and 30 June was 68% (4,600) higher
than the same period last year.
In addition, recent figures for this year show the highest ever
number of GPs entering training with 3,793 posts accepted,
exceeding the mandated target of 3,250. Health Education England
has increased GP trainee acceptances year on year for the last 7
years.
Over the summer the NHS People Plan set out how the NHS will put
staff wellbeing at its heart with a new recruitment, retention
and support package. It sets out practical support for wellbeing
such as safe spaces to rest and recuperate, wellbeing guardians
and support to keep staff physically safe and healthy.
The NHS recently announced £15 million to strengthen mental
health support for nurses, paramedics, therapists, pharmacists,
and support staff. Staff will get rapid access to expanded mental
health services that are being rolled out across the country as
part of efforts to deal with the second wave of coronavirus.
Notes to editors
|
England
|
Sep-19
|
September 2020 FTE
|
Annual FTE Change
|
Annual % Change
|
|
All Staff
|
1,114,473
|
1,164,729
|
50,256
|
4.5%
|
|
Professionally Qualified
|
591,712
|
618,858
|
27,146
|
4.6%
|
|
Doctors
|
116,416
|
122,446
|
6,030
|
5.2%
|
|
Nurses
|
285,871
|
299,184
|
13,313
|
4.7%
|
