Responding to a new report from the public accounts committee (PAC) on nursing vacancies, the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin, said:

“Today’s report highlights the seriousness of the current situation in the nursing workforce, which trust leaders have predicted and been concerned about for years.

“We agree that there has not been enough energy, money, or data modelling invested by the Department of Health and Social Care into the recruitment of nurses, and it is vital that long-standing calls to amend this are listened to.

“We support the report’s calls for the prioritisation of a substantive long-term workforce plan, with fully costed actions.

“We also back the call for social care to be included in workforce planning and recruitment initiatives, as well as for the closer integration of the health and social care sectors.

Staff wellbeing is a top priority for trust leaders.

Miriam Deakin    Co-Director of Development and Engagement

“Staff wellbeing is a top priority for trust leaders. In a recent survey, we found that 92% of trust leaders are concerned about staff wellbeing, stress and burnout following the pandemic.

“Wellbeing initiatives can only go so far while there remain such workforce pressures as outlined in the report.

“To truly protect the wellbeing of the NHS workforce, more staff are needed not only to cover shortages but also to build flexibility into the system. This will enable realistic workloads, more regular and reliable breaks and a better work life balance.

“The report’s emphasis on safeguards to protect Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff from COVID hamper career progression are valid and important.

“Many trusts have already been undertaking work to improve and diversify their leadership, and to ensure appropriate developmental support for their staff. However there is a lot more work to be done and we look forward to supporting trusts in this regard.”