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Vanessa Young, Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, responded to the publication of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee report on medical recruitment

“We welcome the recommendations of the Committee in this new report. Wales along with the rest of the UK face recruitment challenges and any steps that are taken to address shortfalls, especially in certain professions and in different regions of Wales can only be positive. Future demand for health and social care will not be met unless we plan, develop and use the health and social care workforce differently.

“The recommendation’s recognise that we need to attract clinicians from other parts of the UK and abroad as well as the need for the longer term planning with key stakeholders in NHS Wales and the Deanery to ensure an effective structure for training and recruitment is in place.

“Working in Wales needs to be made as attractive as possible. This is a country that has so much to offer in terms of career prospects and lifestyle for those working or aspiring to work in health and social care. Encouraging individuals to train in Wales so students are more likely to stay and pursue their careers here is key. Also in the longer term, ensuring that potential trainees are equipped with the tools and experience needed to make informed choices and take the opportunities to understand the huge diversity of roles across the health and care sector.

“There is a need to ensure that workforce planning addresses both short and long term challenges. We are pleased that the Committee has considered recent initiatives, such as the ‘Train, Work, Live’ campaign. The NHS will continue to work with the Welsh Government to promote working in NHS Wales, and take forward any outcomes and lessons learnt. This is an opportunity to build a long-term vision for the health and social care workforce, acknowledging the importance of delivering integrated and personalised care closer to home.

“We hope the recommendations put forward by the Committee are considered by the Parliamentary Review into health and social care and during the UK Government Brexit negotiations.”

View report here