The number of nurses working in the NHS in England increased by
11,088 on last year to a record 300,555, and the number of
doctors rose by 6,308 to a record 123,467, provisional figures
published today up until the end of November show.
Ahead of the UCAS deadline for university applications at 1800 on
Friday 29 January, the Minister for Care is urging more people to consider a career in
nursing, after the number of people accepting a place last year
rose by a record 26%.
Eligible students who accept a place to study nursing, midwifery
or most allied health courses this year will benefit from at
least £5,000 a year to support them during their studies as part
of the new non-repayable training grant.
Today’s NHS workforce statistics also show professionally
qualified clinical staff including midwives are at record levels,
as are scientific, therapeutic and technical staff.
Minister for Care said:
“It’s encouraging to see the latest figures showing record
numbers of NHS staff with over 11,000 more nurses working in our
NHS compared to last year, and over 6,300 more doctors - bringing
us closer to delivering the 50,000 more nurses our NHS needs.
I’m hugely grateful for the extraordinary commitment of all our
health and care staff and students. Now, more than ever, it is
vital that we secure the future of our NHS as we strive to beat
this disease. I am calling on the next generation of talent to
apply to study nursing and other healthcare professions and join
the hundreds of thousands of talented, dedicated healthcare
professionals caring for people right across the country.”
Professor Mark Radford, Chief Nurse, Health Education
England, said:
"Last year saw record numbers of students accepted onto nursing
degree courses - a rise of 26 per cent on 2019 - as the
profession continues to set a shining example throughout the
coronavirus crisis.
"We urge anyone thinking about this wonderful and inspiring
career to take advantage of the extension and get their
application in now. "
The final figures from last 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.
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.
Last year the NHS 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.
Earlier this month the Government announced a £7.5 million boost
to support digital shift scheduling across 40 NHS trusts,
allowing staff to spend more time with patients. The investment
is part of a £26 million national fund to have all NHS doctors,
nurses and other clinical staff on e-rostering systems by 2021,
shown to be particularly invaluable during the pandemic.
Notes to editors
