The UK’s health and social care system is facing significant challenges, including demographic shifts, increasing demand, financial constraints and workforce shortages. New approaches are needed to long-standing challenges, and we all have a part to play, argues Mark Underwood. He looks at how we can support a flexible health and social care workforce to ensure a better future.
The latest figures suggest that the NHS faces a shortfall of around 110,000 staff, including almost 40,000 nurses and 8,000 doctors.1 This challenge is exacerbated by an ageing population that requires more complex care, along with rising expectations for quality and accessibility. Flexible workers, such as those taking on agency work via a private provider, play a crucial role in addressing these issues. But how can we optimise the flexible health and social care workforce to ensure a win-win for both professionals and patients?
Despite the publication of last year's NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, recent projections paint a concerning picture for the future of the workforce. The supply gap is still projected to rise significantly, and by 2036/37, the healthcare workforce shortfall is expected to range from 260,000 to 360,000 staff members.2
These figures are being driven by an alarming turnover rate of 11.2% among hospital and community health staff as of June 2023, with over 37,000 of those leaving being nurses.3
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