WIREDGOV

Over five per cent increase in NHS staffing levels since 2006

NHS staffing has increased by over five per cent under the current Government, according to new figures.

Statistics released yesterday by ISD Scotland show that the NHS has 134,171.4 whole time equivalent (WTE) members of staff, an increase of 5.6 per cent, or 7,109.5 staff since September 2006.

The statistics also show that the NHS workforce has grown by 2,326.2 WTE, or 1.8 per cent, in the last year alone.

Figures also show that there are now 42,114 WTE qualified nurses and midwives working in NHSScotland, an increase of 2.7 per cent under this Government.

The number of NHS consultants in post has increased by 2.3 per cent over the past year to 4,665.8 WTE.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said:

“These figures show that the NHS workforce has grown under this Government, and that the number employed by NHS Scotland has increased by 1.8 per cent over the last year.

“In addition, the number of qualified nurses has increased. It is vital that our approach continues to be led by in-depth evidence-based planning to make sure the right numbers of the right staff group are working in the right place and that they have the right skills.

“We now have mandatory nursing workforce planning tools in place across Scotland, and these are working well in helping health boards to plan for the number of staff they require.

“By using these tools we can be confident that boards have the right number of staff required to provide the best possible care for patients."

Notes to editors

NHS Scotland workforce figures can be viewed at www.isdscotland.org

Further information on Health and Community Care statistics within Scotland can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/statistics/browse/Health

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff – more information on the standards of Official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About