The number of doctors working in NHS England has increased by over 6,000 over the last year, while the number of nurses has increased by over 12,000
In the South West, the number of doctors working in the NHS has increased by 623 to 10,956 – a rise of 6%.
The number of nurses has increased by 1,455 to 27,111 – a rise of 5.7%. The South East is the only region to see a bigger percentage rise.
It means patients across the region will be able to see better results in frontline services.
Across England there are now over 23,100 more doctors and over 22,000 more nurses, midwives and health visitors working in the NHS than when the Conservatives came into office in May 2010.
These figures do not include any former healthcare professionals who have volunteered to return to the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
During the 2019 General Election, the Conservatives pledged that there would be 50,000 more nurses working in the NHS by the end of the Parliament. These latest figures represent significant progress towards delivering on that commitment.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the government has worked to support the NHS and those who work in our health system. It has provided more than £14billion for the NHS and public services, which has helped to increase critical care capacity, ensure staff have the equipment they need and ensure those on the frontline are supported as they deal with this crisis.
North Devon MP, Selaine Saxby said:
“The hard work and dedication of local NHS staff over recent months has been truly inspiring. I want to pay tribute to the efforts of every single worker in our hospital and other health care settings across North Devon. They have worked tirelessly in the fight against this virus and our community is very grateful
With record numbers of doctors and nurses working in our healthcare system, it demonstrates that this Government is following through with the manifesto commitments it made to the public during last year’s election.
The NHS delivers world-class care all thanks to the commitment of its staff on the frontline. The Government will continue to support everyone who works for the NHS, ensuring it gets the staff it needs to continue its high quality of care for patients.”
Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:
It’s fantastic to see record numbers of NHS staff, including 6,000 more doctors and 12,000 more nurses compared to last year.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our NHS staff, we are turning the tide on coronavirus, and I remain absolutely committed to growing the workforce and making the NHS the best possible place to work.
We will continue to do everything we can to attract and retain our brilliant NHS staff as part of delivering 50,000 more nurses by end of the Parliament.