The workforce is the beating heart of the NHS and I pay tribute to all those who work so hard here in Cheltenham – and Gloucestershire more widely. They are the best of our community, and continue to deliver professional care in the face of enormous demand. I know just how challenging the situation is at present, given the ongoing impact from Covid19.
It is absolutely correct that workforce planning is essential. Despite the number of doctors, nurses and allied care professionals in the NHS increasing, there is plainly further to go to address growing need.
Clause 34 of the Health and Care Bill requires the production of a workforce accountability report at least every five years. This report will increase transparency and accountability in the workforce planning process, putting in place the proper structures.
Additionally, the Department for Health and Social Care has already commissioned Health Education England to develop a long-term 15-year strategic framework for the health and social care workforce. This will look at the key drivers of workforce demand and supply over the longer term and will set out how they impact on the future workforce. This is a welcome piece of work and I look forward to its publication, which I am told is expected in the spring.
It is vital that workforce planning is closely integrated to the wider planning across health and social care. Health Education England will be merged with NHS England, putting long-term planning and strategy for healthcare staff recruitment and retention at the forefront of the national NHS agenda.
Upon listening closely to the points raised in the debate on the Health and Care Bill, I am confident that arrangements to ensure workforce planning are in place, but I will continue to raise this issue with ministers.
Do let me know if you would ever like to meet, and I will of course be happy to make myself available.