For the third month running, there are record numbers of NHS
doctors and nurses working in England according to the latest
statistics published today (Thursday 3 June).
The provisional figures show that as of March 2021, there are a
total of 124,078 doctors and 304,542 nurses working in the NHS.
Compared to the same time last year, that’s over 5,600 more
doctors and over 10,800 more nurses. There are also record
numbers of hospital and community health staff overall
(1,197,747).
Health and Social Care Secretary said:
“It is hugely encouraging to see the number of doctors and nurses
has peaked yet again, with over 124,000 doctors and 304,000
nurses working in our NHS.
“Our expanding NHS workforce will help to provide safe care to
patients and continue the success of the vaccination programme,
as we work to tackle backlogs and build back better.
“I’d like to thank all health and social care staff across the
country for their tremendous work and commitment this past year.”
The government is committed to delivering 50,000 more NHS nurses
by the end of this Parliament.
The latest NHS People Plan, published in July 2020, is about
making sure we put the right measures in place to support and
grow the workforce. It puts NHS 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.
We recognise the enormous pressure this pandemic has put on all
of our staff. To support their wellbeing, we invested £30 million
in mental health and occupational health support last year, and a
further £37 million this year for mental health hubs, a helpline
and a 24/7 text support service.
There has also been a 34% increase in applicants to study nursing
this year, and all eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health
professional students will benefit from a non-repayable grant
from the government, worth at least £5,000 a year.
Notes to editors
· Vacancies have fallen by over 12,200 since last year;
· There are over 1,400 fewer nursing and midwifery vacancies than
last year;
· There are over 1,700 fewer doctor vacancies than last year.
· The numbers of doctors, nurses and vacancies refer to full-time
equivalent roles.
