Emergency care workforce measures are welcome but concerns continue for the coming winter

12 October 2017

 

NHS Improvement, along with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), NHS England and Health Education England have developed a plan to ensure sustainable staffing in NHS emergency departments.

The plans include commitments to:

 

Responding to the emergency care workforce measures announced by NHS Improvement, NHS England, Health Education England and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, the director of strategy and policy at NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

“It is good that this initiative addresses some of the key concerns around staffing in A & E, where many workers face intolerable pressures.

“A lot of NHS trusts have developed their own initiatives to support and develop staff in emergency care, to improve recruitment and retention.

While many trusts will be encouraged to see this kind of practical support, the reality is it will have only limited – if any - impact on the immediate challenge of getting through the coming winter.

“These measures will undoubtedly provide further help for trusts as they respond to the relentless rise in demand. It is vital they are delivered as planned, without delay.

“However, while many trusts will be encouraged to see this kind of practical support, the reality is it will have only limited – if any - impact on the immediate challenge of getting through the coming winter. That is a real worry. Trusts are working hard to ensure they can provide safe, high quality care in the challenging months ahead. But there are continuing concerns about having enough capacity – including beds and staff – in order to cope.”