Welsh Government reveal plan to tackle staffing issues in Welsh NHS
A recruitment drive is planned for later this year
The Welsh Government has revealed how it plans to address the challenges of staffing the Welsh NHS.
The National Workforce Implementation Plan includes bringing in more nurses from overseas, with a recruitment drive planned later this year.
Last year the ‘Once for Wales’ pilot campaign led to around 400 nurses joining the NHS.
They are also creating what ministers are calling an ‘All-Wales Collaborative Bank’ to allow the NHS to address short-term staffing issues and provide workers with choice and flexibility, while encouraging a move away from agency working.
Reservists could also be brought in to support the regular workforce at times of extreme pressure.
Eluned Morgan, the Minister for Health and Social Services, said: “Our health workforce has reached record numbers in Wales, to help meet the increasing demand on its services. But we are seeing demand for health and social care like never before, in Wales and across the world.
“Our plans are based on what NHS staff have been telling us - that rapid action is needed in key areas now.
“The message is clear: we must accelerate our action, with strong, collective and compassionate leadership, if we are to improve retention and recruitment.
"It’s vital we provide our workforce with the working environment it needs to continue to provide world-class care for the people of Wales.”
Dr Olwen Williams OBE, vice president for Wales, Royal College of Physicians said:
“We know the NHS workforce is under a great deal of pressure. In our most recent membership survey in December 2022, the Royal College of Physicians found that staff shortages are the biggest challenge facing the NHS, with 64% of respondents in Wales saying they were being asked to fill rota gaps at short notice and 49% saying that reducing staff vacancies in their team would make the biggest difference to their wellbeing.
“I’m delighted to see this plan published. We’ve previously joined with other royal colleges and professional bodies to call for action, and this is an important first step in the process.
"We also welcome recent engagement with the royal colleges over this workforce plan and hope to continue these conversations."