NHS workforce plan: ‘We cannot continue to haemorrhage staff‘ – SAM president

Commenting on reports featuring the government’s NHS workforce proposals, first published in The Sunday Times on Sunday, 04 June, Dr Tim Cooksley, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The much anticipated and eagerly awaited NHS workforce plan is now expected to be released on its 75th birthday. 

“This is almost unquestionably the most important document since its inception given the current crisis in all parts of the NHS: each of whom have shortages in workforce and capacity at its heart.

“The plan must focus on both recruitment and retention. We cannot continue to haemorrhage staff from the service at the current rate. The impact on staff and patients alike is appalling. 

“Well-funded plans with sustainable models, innovative approaches to retention and a commitment to minimum safe-staffing levels are imperative to ensure this is a plan that will succeed. 

“It needs to restore the confidence of patients and staff in the service: a confidence that has reduced over the last few years. 

“Some of these elements appear not to feature in the plan and must be included in its final publication. An excellent NHS workforce plan will struggle to succeed without a corresponding social care one.

“This has the potential to be a fantastic 75th birthday present for the NHS. It must be. If it isn’t there is a distinct possibility staff and patients will not be able to enjoy many more.”