Tag: Department of Health and Social Care

The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 28 November 2022.

Patients will benefit from cutting-edge new treatments as the government introduces a Vaccine Taskforce style approach to tackling health challenges.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 November 2022.

• All eligible people – including those in at-risk groups, pregnant women, and aged 50 or over – urged to get their free flu vaccine
• Many schoolchildren and 2 and 3 year old preschoolers are eligible for nasal spray flu vaccines
• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicators have been met in England leading to the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer authorising antiviral medicines on prescription in primary care settings, in line with pre-pandemic seasons
• Flu is now circulating at higher levels than recent seasons

All those eligible for the flu vaccine have been urged to come forward as cases rise to levels not seen since before the pandemic.

So far this year, flu vaccine uptake in eligible groups is similar to the last couple of years, although there is a particular need for pre-schoolers, pregnant women and those in the health and social care workforces to take up the offer.

Latest UKHSA data shows there have been jumps in emergency department flu attendances and hospital admissions in the last week. The intensive care admission rate is now higher for flu than for COVID-19.

In the week 14 to 20 November 2022:

• the hospital admission rate for flu increased to 24 per million population, up from 15 per million the previous week. The highest rates were in the under 5s followed by the 75 years plus group. The COVID-19 rate was 44 per million population
• the intensive care and high dependency care for influenza increased to 21 per 10 million population compared to 13 per 10 million population in the previous week. The highest rates were in the under 5s followed by the 65 years plus group. The COVID-19 rate was 17 per 10 million population

Those aged 2 and 3 years old are eligible for nasal spray flu vaccines, with parents and guardians also urged to book appointments to ensure the younger age group is protected.

With both flu and COVID-19 cases both circulating this winter, it is also vital all those eligible get both vaccines as soon as possible.

Due to the increase in levels of flu circulating in the community, UKHSA has recommended that it is now appropriate for antiviral medicines to be prescribed in primary care settings.

Those eligible for antivirals if they have flu include patients in clinical at-risk groups as well as any who are at risk of severe illness and complications from flu if not treated. This includes people in those groups who present with symptoms of flu and those who have been exposed to flu-like illnesses from someone they live with, including residents of care homes.

As has happened in flu seasons before the pandemic, following an UKHSA recommendation, the Chief Medical Officer together with the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer have issued an alert to the NHS notifying the healthcare system that antiviral medicines can now be prescribed and supplied for cases of community acquired influenza.

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said:

Flu and COVID-19 are both circulating. We are currently seeing higher rates of flu at this time of year than usual.

It is important those eligible have their flu jab as soon as they can. Vaccines are the best defence against these viruses. The most effective approach is to get vaccinated before it is circulating at very high rates.

As flu cases have risen and in order to protect the most vulnerable – in line with pre-COVID flu seasons antiviral medicines can now be prescribed in primary care settings such as GPs and pharmacies to those eligible who are most at risk to the complications of flu.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said:

Flu is a serious virus and, while we haven’t seen the number of cases we’re used to over the last couple of years, it is starting to circulate at high levels this season.

Thankfully we have the tools to protect those most at risk to flu. Thanks to our fantastic vaccination campaign, more than 17 million flu jabs have been given in England this season already.

For all those eligible who have not yet come forward for their free winter vaccines for flu and COVID-19, please do not delay in coming forward for your jab. It could not be easier.

In England, the first weekly winter update shows there were an average of 344 patients a day with flu in hospital last week, more than 10 times the number seen at the beginning of December last year.

In October, a new country-wide marketing campaign urging millions of eligible people to get their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines to top up their immunity was launched.

Building on the success of the 2021 to 2022 COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the campaign stressed that the protection provided by vaccines wanes over time, so everyone eligible should boost their immunity by getting both vaccines ahead of a difficult winter.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Director for Immunisation and Programmes at UKHSA, said:

Our surveillance shows recent increases in laboratory and clinical influenza indicators across England, particularly NHS emergency department attendances, hospitalisations and intensive care. Alongside older adults, flu rates are rapidly rising in younger children. Vaccination remains critical and I urge everyone eligible to take up the offer.

Flu antivirals are effective in helping to keep people out of hospital and preventing the virus spreading to other more vulnerable household and family members. Now that we are seeing flu increasing it’s important that GPs consider the possibility of flu in respiratory patients and the use of antivirals in line with national guidance, particularly if they have ruled out COVID-19.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said:

The first weekly data this year shows that flu is already with us as we enter what could be the most challenging winter in NHS history, with hundreds of beds a day already occupied with patients with flu.

Flu can be extremely serious for lots of people, so pharmacies and GPs will now be able to prescribe antivirals to those most at risk of its complications to help people avoid the need for hospital care.

But the best way people who are eligible can protect themselves is by getting vaccinated without delay – there are thousands of sites across the country offering flu and COVID-19 jabs so please book in today if you haven’t already.

The alert concerning flu antiviral medicine has been issued to primary care settings including GPs and community pharmacies in England.

The Department of Health and Social Care continues to work closely with the manufacturers of antiviral medicines, used in the treatment of flu, to monitor stocks and ensure that there are adequate supplies of these medicines available to meet UK demand.

The prescription and supply of antivirals in primary care settings is in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 November 2022.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 November 2022.

• New data published on GP appointments for the first time ever allows patients to make a more informed choice about the practice they choose to visit
• This comes after over 4,000 GPs accepted on training placements, hitting the government target for the fifth year running
• Autumn Statement reiterates government’s commitment to primary care and improving patient access to it

Patients will be able to make more informed choices on the GP practice they choose to visit after data showing detailed appointment waiting times was published for the first time ever today (Thursday).

The statistics, which cover all GP practices across England, is being made available to inform patients how many appointments each practice is delivering and on the length of time taken from booking an appointment to the appointment itself.

This will improve transparency about performance and give patients more information to help them make informed choices when choosing their practice.

The statistics, NHS Digital’s website, will form part of the GP data published monthly which for the first time will include details at practice level. This was announced in Our Plan for Patients.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

We promised to prioritise patients and improve access and that is exactly what we have done – and this is just the start.

I am determined to make it easier for people to get an appointment with their GP practice when they need one and this will allow patients to make a more informed choice about the care they receive.

The Autumn Statement reaffirmed the government’s expectation that all those who need an appointment can get one within two weeks, with urgent appointments on the same day.

This will include offering one million additional appointments and providing an additional 31,000 phone lines which will help people avoid the 8am rush for appointments with new digital tools to improve IT systems and ease administrative burdens.

Minister of State for Health Neil O’Brien said:

This is about making sure patients can make genuine choices about where to access their care.

More than 90% of a patient’s direct experience of the NHS is through primary care and their GP practices so it is vital appointments are available when needed.

This government reiterated its commitment to the NHS during the Autumn Statement and improving access to data is just the start.

The government is also set to reach its target of 26,000 additional members of primary care staff and has hit its target for new GP trainees – more than 4,000 this year – for the fifth year in a row.

This comes as we provide more support for the sector, with struggling GP practices receiving support with their most acute access challenges to improve performance – such as the delivery of a framework to support all practices to secure cloud-based telephony systems.

Work also continues to incentivise the most experienced GPs to stay in practice by amending pension rules regarding inflation and implementing permanent retirement flexibilities.

The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 23 November 2022.

New consultation launched to inform next stage of tackling antimicrobial resistance building on 20-year vision.

• Recent estimates suggest that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) causes 1.27 million deaths globally each year and 7,600 deaths in the UK each year
• Views sought to inform next 5-year plan to tackle what has been described as the next potential global pandemic

The increasing risk to patients of superbugs resistant to existing medicines will be the focus of a new consultation launched today (Wednesday 23 November 2022).

The consultation will bring together the latest evidence and data from leading experts on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It will help inform a new 5-year national action plan to protect patients from deadly infections and will capture learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The consultation has been launched to coincide with World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022, with this year’s theme focused on ensuring that affected sectors – such as food, plants, environment and health – collaborate together to fight AMR.

Resistance to antimicrobials is increasing, creating a new generation of ‘superbugs’ that cannot be treated with existing medicines. Without working antibiotics, routine surgery like caesarean sections or hip replacements will become too dangerous to perform, cancer chemotherapy will become too high risk and certain infections will require long and complex treatment or will no longer be treatable.

Prof Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on AMR, said:

Antimicrobial resistance may be the defining health challenge of this century.

I am proud of the UK’s efforts on research and development, stewardship, surveillance and international engagement across all sectors.

I hope that our next national action plan will show that we can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and collaborate to step up our actions.

A report published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) this week showed there were more than 50,000 severe antibiotic-resistant infections in England last year including bloodstream infections, skin infections, surgical site infections and skin and soft tissue infections.

The report also found the number of severe antibiotic resistant infections rose by 2.2.% in England compared to 2020, the equivalent of 148 infections per day. It warns that progress made on antibiotic use may not be sustained unless we continue to use antibiotics appropriately.

Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director of Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections at UKHSA, said:

Antimicrobial resistance is not a distant problem that we can ignore – infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria are killing thousands of people every year in this country and globally, as well as having a huge economic impact.

Our extensive data and surveillance programmes have identified the immense scale of the issue in this country. It has pinpointed areas for action, with targets to improve prescribing and limit antimicrobial-resistant and healthcare-associated infections over the last 5 years. We will continue to work with partners to respond to current threats and prepare for future challenges.

It is vital the future national action plan targets include measures to limit resistance, incentivise best practice in prescribing, and facilitate novel diagnostics and therapeutics.

The new 5 year national action plan will form the next stage of the government’s existing 20-year AMR strategy, published in 2019. It set out an initial 5-year plan which will run until 2024. This consultation will seek views to ensure that the next 5-year plan – continuing up until 2029 – is informed by the most up-to-date evidence.

Since the publication of the 2019 strategy, government has made significant progress in tackling AMR, for example reducing the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals, piloting novel and innovative ways of evaluating and paying for antibiotics on the NHS through a subscription model – a world first – and securing commitments to tackle AMR on several ministerial tracks during the UK’s G7 presidency.

Input from technical experts (including on human health, animal and plant health, food and AMR in the environment) is encouraged as part of the consultation, to help shape the UK’s 2024 to 2029 national action plan.

It is also aiming to attract context from how we helped to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, as the tools we use will be similar – such as with vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and public behaviours.

The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on the 18 November 2022.

• New independent review of Integrated Care Systems to improve health outcomes across the country
• Former Health Secretary the Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chair of NHS Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care Board has been appointed as Chair

The government has announced a new independent review into oversight of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes across the country, following record investment in health and social care.

The review will be led by former Health Secretary the Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt who is currently Chair of NHS Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care Board, and will explore how to empower local leaders to focus on improving outcomes for their populations.

This includes giving them greater control and making them more accountable for performance and spending, reducing the number of national targets, enhancing patient choice and making the healthcare system more transparent.

The Health and Care Act established 42 Integrated Care Systems across England in law on 1 July. The new systems are a crucial part of the government’s vision to bring together the NHS and local government to jointly deliver for local communities and boost access to care.

Yesterday’s Autumn Statement also announced up to £8 billion more for the NHS and adult social care in England in 2024-25 on top of record funding, ensuring the NHS can address the most pressing issues facing the health service this winter. This includes continuing to provide care to the most vulnerable, reducing the backlog of those waiting for elective surgeries and improving access to emergency and primary care.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

I’m focused on supporting the health and care system through what we know will be a challenging winter but also crucially making the changes that will better prepare us for the future.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach dictated from a ministerial office, local leaders are best placed to make decisions about their local populations and I want to empower them to find innovative solutions to tackle problems and improve care for patients.

Fewer top-down national targets and greater transparency will help us deliver this aim and I am grateful to Patricia Hewitt for agreeing to lead this vital review to help us get this right. I look forward to reviewing her findings.

Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chair of NHS Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care Board said:

I am delighted to have been asked to lead this review of how Integrated Care Systems can best be empowered and supported to succeed.

By bringing together local government, the NHS and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, ICSs provide the biggest opportunity in a generation to improve health outcomes, transform health and care services and reduce health inequalities. Despite the many challenges we face, I am excited by how much has already been achieved in many different systems, including in Norfolk and Waveney, and optimistic about what our partnerships can do in future as we respond to the different needs of our own communities.

This review will focus on how national policy and regulation can most effectively support and enable local systems to solve problems locally. It will build on the welcome work already done by NHS England to develop a new operating model.

I look forward to working with colleagues from all 42 ICSs as well as DHSC, NHSE, colleagues in local government and others as we respond to the Health Secretary’s and the Chancellor’s invitation to help create a system of regulation and accountability based on the principle that change should be locally led and nationally enabled.

Richard Meddings, Chair of NHS England:

As a health service we are focused on delivering the best possible care for all our patients, as well as value for taxpayers.

With both the economy and the NHS facing tough challenges ahead, it’s absolutely right that we continue to find more innovative ways to ensure all our systems are working as efficiently as possible. We also need to continue to provide the tools to help local systems solve the problems they face on the ground – building on the operating model we have already set out.

That’s why we welcome this week’s announcement of a new independent review and will work closely with its chair, the Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, to help the NHS to continue to deliver for patients, as well as the public purse.

The review will consider:

• The scope for a smaller number of national targets to empower local health and care leaders and enable greater autonomy, so they have the time and resource to focus on innovating and tackling local challenges and priorities.
• How local performance could be better monitored and any local targets set, with a focus on transparency.
• How to ensure new ICSs are held robustly to account, both locally and nationally.
• The relationship between ICSs, and central bodies, such as NHS England and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), as well as the CQC’s role in oversight of ICSs.

An interim report is expected before the end of the year, with a final report in the new year, which will inform the NHS’s objectives and planning.

The review will draw upon the expertise of ICS leaders, NHS England and other experts including in academia, government and relevant thinktanks, as well as local government, voluntary sector and patient representatives.

Background

• Each ICS has an Integrated Care Board (ICB), a statutory organisation bringing the NHS together locally to improve population health and establish shared strategic priorities within the NHS. They include representatives from local authorities, primary care and NHS trusts and are accountable for the performance of the NHS across their area.
• Each ICS also has an Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), bringing together a wider group of partners to set the strategy for the system as a whole, focusing on the four goals of ICSs: improve outcomes in population health and healthcare; tackle inequalities in outcomes, experience and access; enhance productivity and value for money; and help the NHS support broader social and economic development.
• The terms of reference will be published in due course.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 17 November 2022.

• Funding to speed up patient discharge, freeing up hospital beds to reduce ambulance handover times and improving capacity in social care
• Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay addressed NHS workforce at NHS Providers’ annual conference
• He set out his key priorities including a focus on what matters most to patients, as well as putting the NHS on a more sustainable footing

Patients will benefit from faster access to emergency treatment following an injection of £500 million to free up hospital beds through quicker discharge, which will also help reduce ambulance handover times.

£300 million will be given to Integrated Care Boards to improve bed capacity and £200 million for local authorities to bolster the social care workforce, increasing capacity to take on more patients from hospitals.

Local authorities and Integrated Care Boards – organisations that bring the NHS together locally to improve health in the community – will work together to agree on spending across their regions, introducing tailored solutions which speed up discharge and benefit patients in their area.

Allocations will be published in due course with payments to be made in the coming weeks, following the announcement of the fund earlier this year. A second tranche of funding will be distributed in January 2023 delivering support across winter.

Speaking at the NHS Providers’ annual conference in Liverpool the Health and Social Care Secretary said:

I am pleased to announce details of the fund which will be provided to ICBs and local authorities to free up beds, at a time when bed occupancy is at 94%.

In line with our devolved and data-driven approach we will be allowing local areas to determine how we can speed up the discharge of patients from hospital.

This might be through purchasing supportive technology boosting domiciliary care capacity or physiotherapists and occupational therapists to support recovery at home.

We will also be looking closely at the impact of how funding is used and using this data to inform future decisions around funding”.

Local areas will be free to spend this money on initiatives which will have the greatest impact in their area on reducing discharges into social care, which in most areas will mean prioritising home care. Funding may also be used to boost adult social care workforce capacity, through staff recruitment and retention, where that will help reduce delayed discharges.

Addressing the workforce for the first time since returning to the role, the Health and Social Care Secretary set out his priorities today (Wednesday 16 November) for the coming months to ensure the health and care system continues to deliver for patients.

Key areas of focus for the months ahead will be:

• Supporting the workforce including through more staff for NHS 111 and 999.
• Focusing on recovery plans across electives, urgent and emergency care.
• Tackling the issue of delayed hospital discharge.
• Improving access to primary care.
• Ensuring a stronger future for health including maintaining momentum on the New Hospital. Programme and investing in technology to improve patient outcomes.

Minister of State for Care Helen Whately said:

People should be cared for in the best place for them, but discharge delays mean patients are spending too long in hospital.

Our discharge fund will get more people cared for in the right place at the right time. We’re asking hospitals and the social care system to work together to help patients and carers too, who often take on a lot of the burden of caring when someone leaves hospital.

The discharge fund will boost the social care workforce and in turn reduce pressures on the NHS and hospital staff, as it frees up beds and helps improve ambulance handover delays.

On tackling the Covid backlogs, the Health and Social Care Secretary emphasised the importance of close working between the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to reduce variation and tackle wider recovery challenges.

Looking beyond the immediate challenges of this winter, he reiterated the need to ensure a stronger future for health and care including investment in NHS buildings.

He set out his commitment to prioritise hospitals built using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) as part of transformation plans as well as the need to modernise the way NHS buildings are constructed, moving away from bespoke designs by individual trusts and towards standardised designs that can streamline the approvals process and reduce construction time. This will help deliver new hospitals more quickly with better value for money, as part of the government’s commitment to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030.

He also set out the need to harness the opportunities of new ways of working shown by the pandemic including use of the NHS app to reduce pressures in primary care. From the end of the month patients will be able to book their Covid vaccine via the NHS app, reducing the burden on GP providers.

Closing his speech, he acknowledged the size of the collective challenge the system as a whole faces heading into winter and his commitment to working with the sector to build a more resilient, healthier NHS for the long-term.

The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 16 November 2022.

The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 2 November 2022.

• Second year of domestic recruitment campaign ‘Made with Care’ kicks off today encouraging people to apply for a career in the adult social care sector.
• Opportunities available for diverse range of rewarding jobs with development and training.

The ‘Made with Care’ campaign is returning for a second year and highlights the wide range of opportunities available to build a career in care and help others to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives.

Running until March 2023, campaign advertising will appear to millions across video on demand platforms such as ITV Hub, Sky Go and All 4; radio and digital audio channels such as Spotify and social media and digital channels like Facebook and Instagram, to direct job seekers to www.adultsocialcare.co.uk.

Here, people will be able to find everything they need to research a career in adult social care and, crucially, search and apply for adult social care jobs near them – with support to perfect their CV and advice on interviews.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

Working in social care is rewarding, inspiring and provides career opportunities with a range of roles you may have never considered.

To get started, you just need to have the right qualities including kindness and compassion to support people’s loved ones and make a difference.

This government is committed to a sustainable social care sector and anyone can play a part by joining this incredible workforce.

Minister for Care Helen Whately said:

I want to help care providers recruit the dedicated staff they need. There are great opportunities to join one of the country’s most important workforces.

Care workers do such an important job – a job that can also be truly rewarding.

We know in government we can help care providers get the message out about the opportunities in the sector. I hope this campaign will help boost the social care workforce across the country.

With a variety of vacancies and jobs and with record investment in adult social care from the government, there has never been a better time for people with the right qualities to seize the opportunity and begin a career in care.

From support workers who help people in care with day-to-day activities, to shared lives carers who welcome people who need care into their homes and family life – there’s something for everyone looking to take on meaningful work within the sector.

With a variety of vacancies and jobs and with record investment in adult social care from the government, there has never been a better time for people with the right qualities to seize the opportunity and begin a career in care.

From support workers who help people in care with day-to-day activities, to shared lives carers who welcome people who need care into their homes and family life – there’s something for everyone looking to take on meaningful work within the sector.

Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Deborah Sturdy, said:

I am proud to be working in social care as it provides so many diverse opportunities for registered nurses and the incredible professional care workforce who make a difference to people’s lives.

You will meet and work with wonderful people and be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Come and join the adult social care workforce. It is the best decision I ever made.

With advertising planned across England, the ‘Made with Care’ campaign will reach millions of people this winter, highlighting the amazing work staff across the adult social care sector do and celebrating the way they empower the people they support – shining a light on the emotional rewards of the role to inspire more people to consider a job in adult social care.

Opportunities are available today and training is provided. Flexible working patterns are often available, making it the perfect career choice for those with other commitments.

Harry Beckwith, Support Worker said:

I wanted to come into care because I just enjoy seeing people happy. I love making them smile.

I decided to work in care with adults just because I wanted to explore what I could do, what experiences I could get, and learn from those I care for as much as they learn from me.

If someone told me they wanted to go and work in care I’d say go straight for it. Honestly, it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. It’s just nice to help someone who needs help.

Social care is a top priority for the government, backed by £5.4billion and the 10-year People at the Heart of Care plan to reform social care so there has never been a better time to join the sector.

Recognising the current challenges faced by the social care sector and local government, the government has also committed £500million to support discharge from hospitals. This funding will ease pressure and build a stronger NHS to ensure the people of our country get the care they need and deserve.

Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive Officer for Skills for Care, said:

Skills for Care is excited to see the next phase of the Made with Care campaign progress.

Our ‘State of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’ report released in October has really highlighted the recruitment and retention challenges the adult social care sector is facing right now, with vacancy levels having increased 52% in the past year to the highest rate on record. At the same time the number of filled posts has fallen, this is the first drop in the number of care workers ever.

We need to talk more about the rewarding and fulfilling career that adult social care can offer, and we hope the Made with Care campaign will raise awareness of the value and variety of a career in care and the important contribution that the 1.5 million people currently working in adult social care are making to our communities.

Skills for Care hosted a webinar in October for social care providers to find out more about the Made with Care campaign and how it can support them, and we’ll be continuing to support the campaign as it moves into its next phase.

An ADASS spokesperson said:

The recruitment campaign Made with Care is so important in showing the wide variety of roles across adult social care, as well as just how meaningful and essential the work is.

It’s vital that adult social care is seen as an enriching career, comprised of a talented workforce making it possible for us all to live the lives we want to live.

The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 27 October 2022.

• Data also shows record numbers of doctors working in NHS hospitals

There are over 1.2 million full-time equivalent staff working in NHS trusts and clinical commissioning groups in England – over 31,000 more people compared to a year ago, up by over 2.5%.

Latest data published by NHS Digital shows that, compared to August 2021, there are also over 3,700 more doctors and over 9,100 more nurses working in the NHS.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Steve Barclay said:

More healthcare staff means better care for patients, which is why it’s fantastic to see a record number of over 1.2 million staff working hard in the NHS.

With over 3,700 more doctors and 9,100 more nurses, we are really putting patients first and NHS England is developing a long term workforce plan so we can continue to recruit and retain more NHS staff.

Thanks to all our doctors, nurses and NHS healthcare staff who work tirelessly to look after us and our loved ones and continue to inspire future generations to join this rewarding career.

The government continues to deliver on its commitment to recruit 50,000 more nurses by 2024, with 29,000 more nurses since September 2019.