NHS workforce at record high

15 Dec 2009 03:26 PM

More people than ever before are now working for NHS Scotland, delivering healthcare to people throughout the country.

The latest statistics, published today by ISD Scotland, show that the total NHS Scotland workforce has risen by 2.1 per cent.

Among the key points in the statistics are:

• 168,976 staff were employed by NHS Scotland at September 30, up 3,425 from the previous year
• The number of medical staff (including GPs) is 16,256, up from 16,195
• The number of dental staff (including dental support) is 5,002, an increase of 412
• The number of nursing and midwifery staff is 68,681, up from 67,965
• Administrative services overall increased by 4.2 per cent, this was largely accounted for by an increase of 1,589 in support for clinical staff
• There was also a decrease of 8.4 per cent in management grades from 1,503 to 1,377

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"We now have more doctors, nurses and health professionals working in Scotland than ever before which is good news for patients throughout the country.

"Our staff work tirelessly to deliver a first class service - both in hospitals and the community - and I would like to pay tribute to their efforts.

"This year we have seen how, faced with a flu pandemic, NHS staff have risen to the challenge. I am sure there are more challenges ahead and I am confident that our staff will continue to deliver the excellent services that we all expect and deserve."

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