NHS workforce stats published

2nd December 2011

Figures on NHS Scotland workforce, published earlier this week, show that staffing is adapting to reflect changing patterns of care.

The ISD Scotland quarterly statistics on NHS staff show an overall workforce reduction of 3,624.4 wte or 2.7 per cent from September 2010 to September 2011. This reduction is in line with the projected staff changes already published for years 2010/11 and 2011/12. The figures show that largest percentage reduction is the number of administrative posts, which have reduced by 1,218.9 wte, or 4.7 per cent, in this period.

From September 2006, there has been an overall increase of 4,277.8 wte or 3.4 per cent in NHS staff.

The number of nursing and midwifery posts - which form the largest staff grouping within the NHS - have reduced by 1,568.9 wte, or 2.7 per cent during the year to September, again in line with previously published projections. However, the figures also show an increase in other clinical staff with more consultants, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and counsellors working in the NHS in the last year - a total increase of 541 wte.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:"The NHS doesn't stand still. It is currently in a period of transition, as the balance of care shifts towards more community care and shorter hospital stays. The shape and size of the workforce reflects that transition. However, I fully understand that changes to the NHS workforce will always be a source of potential concern and it is therefore vital that changes continue to be considered in partnership with staff and that they are informed by rigorous workforce planning.

"I am pleased to see that good progress continues to be made in reducing the number of non-clinical administrative staff. This is ensuring that an increasing proportion of the NHS budget is spent on point of care services.

"I am also pleased that the numbers of consultants, doctors and dentists has increased and that the overall size of the NHS workforce has increased by 3.4 per cent since September 2006.

"I know that the changes to the nursing and midwifery workforce will always cause anxiety and that is why it is essential that we continue to scrutinise NHS Boards' workforce planning very carefully in this respect to make sure that changes are in line with changing patterns of care and that nurses and midwife staffing levels in our hospitals are appropriate.

"It is notable that as we work towards a shift to prevention services and treatment given in the community, rather than in hospital settings, the number of nurses and midwives working in the community has increased by 2,500 since 2006.

"The NHS faces new challenges and changes to the way staff work, however we are committed to providing the resources which will ensure that the health service continues to deliver the very best quality of care for patients."

For more details see
www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics//Workforce/Publications/index.asp