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Press release: NHS Employers response to Council of Deans press release on nursing, midwifery and allied health profession education in England28 Sep 2006 NHS Employers deputy director Sian Thomas said: "The significant growth of the NHS workforce over the past six years has resulted in huge reductions in the number of vacancies across most professions. There is now a much smaller gap between the number of people we need in the NHS and the number of new staff coming through university. "Employers are currently working on future workforce plans which will take into account the changes which are taking place in the NHS. These include the redesign of service delivery, the impact of new technology, the emphasis on treating more people in the community and the impact of the knowledge and skills framework part of the Agenda for Change pay contract. "Employers would support a pause for this year while they re-assess the workforce situation in the NHS. I believe an overall reduction of 10% in the number of student places being commissioned is manageable and the right thing to do. NHS Employers does not support the Council of Dean's view that these decisions have been driven by financial expedience. "Where higher education institutions and NHS trusts have formed good relationships locally, they have put in place strategic partnerships to manage the current situation. "All employers are fully aware of the benefits that education and training has on patient care. However, in the new world of modern health and social care, the discussion about allocation of resources for education cannot be separated from discussions about how other parts of healthcare system are financially supported."
Notes for editors
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For out of hours media enquiries, please contact the duty press officer on 07880 500726. Last reviewed 28 Sep 2006 |
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