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Press release: NHS Employers responds to workforce census14 Mar 2008 In response to the release of the NHS workforce census today, Alastair Henderson, acting director of NHS Employers, said: "The workforce statistics released today are broadly what we would expect. After significant growth in the number of NHS staff over the last few years, numbers have been stabilising. "A small increase in qualified nurses and junior doctors reflects the rise in training places commissioned, and illustrates the commitment to a sustainable home grown NHS workforce. Restructuring at PCTs and trusts, and a continued effort to streamline back office functions, has also meant a small decline in the number of managers and admin and clerical staff. "In addition, the census highlights the workforce shift at ambulance trusts. There is a greater focus on a more skilled emergency team who provide a sophisticated level of care. It is also encouraging to see an increase in the numbers of ethnic minority staff working in hospitals, which represents a commitment by trusts to equality and diversity, ensuring that their workforce reflects their local community. "The importance of sustained recruitment initiatives has also been highlighted by the increasing ages of some staff groups. NHS Careers, which is managed by NHS Employers, has been focussing its efforts on encouraging young people to consider working in the health service. The Step into the NHS campaign aimed at teenagers, and a new website for undergraduates, are just part of its drive to make young people more aware of the 350 different careers in the health service." Notes for editorsFor further information please see www.whatcanidowithmydegree.nhs.uk, the NHS Careers website for undergraduates, and www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk, the website for teenagers.
Contact detailsThe press office provides a comprehensive service to keep journalists informed about the work of NHS Employers. If you have a media enquiry, please contact the press office team:
For out of hours media enquiries, please contact the duty press officer on 07880 500726. Last reviewed 14 Mar 2008 |
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