Lewes MP welcomes increase in number of NHS doctors and nurses

Mrs Caulfield said figures until the end of August show the number of nurses in the NHS in England increased by 14,813 compared to last year, and the number of doctors rose by 6,257 to a record 121,726.

“It is fantastic to see such an increase in the number of both doctors, to a record high, and nurses in our NHS,” said the MP.

“The number of NHS vacancies are down and the number of GPs and nurses in training is up to a record high.

“Being a nurse is such rewarding work and this is great news for the future of our NHS.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Caulfield said quarterly vacancy statistics show the number of overall NHS vacancies has decreased since last year by more than 18,500 (17.5 per cent), with the number of nursing and midwifery vacancies falling by more than 15 per cent.

In addition, recent figures for this year show the highest ever number of GPs entering training with 3,793 posts accepted, exceeding the mandated target of 3,250, she said.

She added: “Health Education England has increased GP trainee acceptances year on year for the past seven years.

“The latest UCAS figures show there are record numbers of people accepting a place to study nursing in England, with a 23 per cent increase on the same time last year, or 5,000 more student nurses.

“A record number of people have also applied to study medicine next year.”

Responding to the NHS workforce statistics, Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said “Not only do we have record numbers of doctors and over 14,800 more nurses working in our NHS than last year, but our pipeline of future talent in nursing, medicine and general practice is now at record levels.

“We are well on our way to deliver on our manifesto commitment of 50,000 more nurses in the NHS. I’m deeply grateful for the continued hard work of all our NHS staff throughout this pandemic.”