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Health Update

19 December 2022

Proposing MP
Colchester
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the current state and future plans for the NHS workforce in England.

Action Requested

The minister reports on the record number of staff employed by the NHS due to increased funding from the Autumn Statement, highlights various initiatives aimed at retaining and growing the workforce, and announces a consultation on pension rule changes to allow more flexible working. Additionally, a long-term workforce plan is being commissioned to address future demands.

Key Facts

  • £14.1bn made available to Health and Social Care over the next two years.
  • Over 1.39 million full time equivalent staff are employed in NHS hospital trusts and primary care as of September 2022.
  • There are a record number of 168,000 doctors across hospitals and general practice.
  • Over 333,000 nurses are working across the NHS with over 50,000 more expected by March 2024.
  • The number of medical students in undergraduate training is at a record high with an increase of 16% since 2019.
  • A consultation on pension rule changes to enable flexible working up to and beyond retirement age has been launched.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy