Record NHS workforce

Figures published today show that Scotland’s NHS has more staff than ever before, up by over 12,300 WTE under this government.

In the last year alone the workforce increased by almost 1,000 whole time equivalent (WTE) to a new record high. At 31 March 2017, 139,430.9 WTE staff are working in hospitals and community healthcare settings across the country.

Nursing and midwifery is at historically high levels, with 3,015.4 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 over 12,300 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.

“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.

“Scotland has led the way in the development of mandatory nursing and midwifery workload and workforce planning tools that help health boards to plan for the number of staff they require. By using these tools, we can be confident that boards have information on the right number of staff required to provide the best possible care for patients in a variety of specialties.”

Background

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