Regional NHS staffing levels rise as minister calls for more applicants

The number of nurses in the NHS in the North West rose by 1,338 on last year to 45,847 and the number of doctors went up by 804 to 16,587, indicative figures show.
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The workforce statistics published on Thursday run up to the end of October.

Nationally, provisional figures up to the end of November show the number of nurses in the NHS in England has 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.

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Ahead of the UCAS deadline for university applications at 6pm on Friday January 29, the Minister for Care Helen Whately is urging more people to consider a career in nursing.

The number of nurses employed by the NHS has risenThe number of nurses employed by the NHS has risen
The number of nurses employed by the NHS has risen

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 a new non-repayable training grant, the Government says.

The NHS workforce statistics also show professionally qualified clinical staff including midwives are at record levels, as are scientific, therapeutic and technical staff.

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Ms Whately 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 at 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.

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"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 January 15 and June 30 was 68% (4,600) higher than the same period last year.

Over the summer the NHS People Plan set out a new NHS recruitment, retention and support package, including practical support for wellbeing such as safe spaces to rest and recuperate, wellbeing guardians and support to keep staff physically safe and healthy.

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Last year the NHS announced £15m 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 £7.5m boost to support digital shift scheduling across 40 NHS trusts, allowing staff to spend more time with patients.

The investment is part of a £26m national fund to have all NHS doctors, nurses and other clinical staff on e-rostering systems by 2021, which the Government says has been shown to be particularly effective during the pandemic.

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