Health Foundation response to NAO workforce report

Responding to the publication today of the National Audit Office’s report Managing the supply of NHS clinical staff in England, Richard Taunt, Director of Policy at the Health Foundation said:

'Health care is a people business, and how the NHS manages and leads its people is fundamental to the delivery of high quality, affordable care. We agree with the NAO that a more coordinated approach to managing the supply of staff is essential. The 25% growth above inflation in temporary and agency costs between 2013/14 and 2014/15 being just one example of how the system is not working for patients or taxpayers.

'However, thinking needs to be coordinated across all of NHS workforce policy, including staff planning, but also regulation, education and training, pay, and how staff are motivated and led. With the NHS under increasing strain the need to attract, train and retain highly skilled and caring professionals could not be more crucial.'

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