There are over 10,000 more nurses working In the NHS than last year, new workforce statistics show.
In the year to April 2020, the number of nurses in the NHS in England increased by 13,502. The number of doctors in the NHS has also risen by 7890. Additionally, all professionally qualified clinical staff, doctors, nurses, paramedics and support to clinical staff are at record levels.
‘It’s fantastic that there are now over 13,500 more nurses and over 7800 more doctors working in our NHS compared to last year,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock.
‘This pandemic has shown how proud the entire country is of all our brave health and care workers, and what an essential role they play in society.’
Earlier this month the latest UCAS statistics revealed a 16% rise in applicants for nursing and midwifery courses in England, the second year-on-year increase. The Nursing and Midwifery Council has also reported its largest ever annual increase of registered nursing and midwifery professionals, with around 18,370 more on the permanent register to work in the UK compared to a year ago.
‘We made the commitment of 50,000 more nurses by end of this Parliament, and I’m determined we will meet it,’ added Mr Hancock.