Record NHS staffing

Staffing in Scotland’s NHS has increased by more than 12,000 – almost 10% – under this Government.

Figures published today show that in the last year alone the workforce increased by almost 1,000 whole time equivalent (WTE) to a new record high. At 31 December 2016, 139,262 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff are working in hospitals and community healthcare settings across the country.

Nursing is at historically high levels, with 2,926 more WTE nursing and midwifery staff under this Government. The statistics also show record numbers of Allied Health Professions.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said:

“Under this Government, NHS staff numbers have risen to record highs - with more consultants, nurses and midwives now delivering care for the people of Scotland.

“There are now 12,200 more staff working in our NHS, with nearly 1,000 of these recruited in the last year. These extra staff will ensure people all across Scotland get the high-quality NHS services that they rightly expect.

“We are also committed to preparing our NHS workforce for the future by increasing student nursing and midwifery intakes for five consecutive years. That’s helped to see almost 10,000 nurses and midwives in training in 2015.

“With demand on our NHS rising we’re committed to both record investment in our health service and ensuring the necessary reforms to deliver the right staff, with the right skills, in the right place, long into the future.

“We are currently consulting on our National Health and Social Care Workforce Plan, working with individuals and organisations within our NHS and social care services. The consultation period will be completed at the end of this month, with the publication of the Plan in spring 2017. This will take full account of the many demographic influences and challenges on our NHS workforce and enable us to continue to deliver a sustainable NHS.”

Background

Full access to the statistical publication can be accessed on the ISD Scotland website.