Increase in the number of NHS doctors and nurses working during coronavirus pandemic
New figures have been released today showing an increase in the number of doctors and nurses now working for the NHS in London.
The number of nurses in the NHS in London increased by 2,113 to 54,686, and the number of doctors rose by 1,101 to 26,141.
This is also reflected nationally with the number of nurses in the NHS having increased by 13,313 to a record 299,184, and the number of doctors rose by 6,030 to a record 122,446.
Across England, professionally qualified clinical staff including paramedics are also at record levels, as are scientific, therapeutic and technical staff.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: ”This winter will be challenging as we continue to fight this deadly virus, and I’m hugely grateful to all our staff who continue to save lives and provide care to those who need it.
“I’m delighted that record numbers of doctors and nurses are working in our NHS, plus a record pipeline of future talent in nursing, medicine and general practice.
“We are backing our NHS and thanks to their unrelenting dedication, we will not only beat Covid but secure the future of our health service and deliver on our manifesto commitment of 50,000 more nurses.”
Recent figures for this year have shown the highest ever number of GPs entering training with 3,793 posts accepted, exceeding the mandated target of 3,250.
Health Education England has increased GP trainee acceptances year on year for the last 7 years.
Over the summer the NHS People Plan set out how the NHS will put staff wellbeing at its heart with a new recruitment, retention and support package following the recent announcement of plans to spend £15 million to strengthen mental health support for nurses, paramedics, therapists, pharmacists, and support staff.
Staff are set to get rapid access to the expanded mental health services that are being rolled out across the country as part of efforts to deal with the second wave of coronavirus.
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