NHS staff shortage situation a ‘national emergency’

Official figures have revealed that the shortage of NHS staff in England has started worsening again, with one in 11 posts currently vacant.

Health experts described the latest figures as a situation that is at risk of becoming a ‘national emergency’ given the rising demands on the NHS. Despite efforts to tackle the shortages, including a new pay deal and recruitment and retention campaigns, the data shows that 11.8 per cent of nurse posts were not filled - a shortage of nearly 42,000, 9.3 per cent of doctor posts were vacant - a shortage of 11,500, and an overall 9.2 per cent of all posts were not filled - a shortage of nearly 108,000.

Alongside the workforce figures, the quarterly report also showed that a deficit of £519 million was being forecast for this year, although that is lower than it has been for the previous three years.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said that the nursing vacancy rates are up 17 per cent since the previous quarter, and nine per cent from the same point last year, arguing that NHS Improvement’s figures highlight the need for a comprehensive workforce plan that responds to population need and ensures the right number of nurses are in place to provide safe and effective patient care in England.

Tom Sandford, director of the RCN in England, said: “This report paints a bleak picture of rising demand and unsustainable workforce shortages, and betrays a huge over-reliance on bank and agency staff in England. The government must immediately investigate this sudden spike in vacancies.”