Staffing in Scotland’s NHS has increased by over 1,000 in the last year, taking workforce levels to a new record high.
Figures published today show, at 30 September 2016, 138,651 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff are working in hospitals and community healthcare settings across the country. Under this Government, health service staffing has increased by over 11,500 WTE, equivalent to a 9.1% increase in the last 10 years.
The statistics also show record levels of medical consultants working in the NHS, and record numbers of allied health professionals such as physiotherapists and podiatrists.
Nursing is also at historically high levels, with 2,378 more nursing and midwifery staff under this Government.
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 11,500 more staff working in our NHS, with nearly 1,000 of these recruited in the last year. In the last 10 years we’ve also seen a 42.8% increase in medical and dental consultants. 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 the last four 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’ll soon be setting out our National Health and Social Care Workforce Plan for discussion, working with individuals and organisations within our NHS and social care services to ensure we have the right skills mix for the future.”
Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, has welcomed new statistics published today showing an increase of 243.80 since last in hospital and community healthcare workers in NHS Lothian.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson said: “Under this Government, NHS staff numbers have risen to record highs – with more consultants, nurses and midwives now delivering essential care for the people of Scotland.
“Healthcare is a key priority for the SNP and I am really encouraged that there is 243.80 more dedicated health care workers working in NHS Lothian compared to last year.
“In government, the SNP has ensured that NHS staff numbers have risen to record highs, with nearly 140,000 staff working in hospitals and community healthcare throughout NHS Scotland – an increase of 9.1% over the last 10 years.
“With an increase in student nursing and midwifery intakes over the last four years, we are also keeping an eye on the future. The SNP is 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.”
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