Workforce issues, and particularly the importance of engaging and involving staff, are a central theme of the NHS Next Stage Review (NSR). It is the focus of a separate report called A high quality workforce: NHS Next Stage Review, and also features in the main report titled High quality care for all, the primary and community care report, and the proposed constitution.
Much of what has been outlined on workforce issues has already been signalled and supports the direction of existing work programmes, seeking a more modernised and fit-for-purpose workforce for today’s NHS.
It will be important to ensure that employers’ concerns and interests are considered as more details emerge and through the implementation of the NSR.
Briefing 47