Falling short: the NHS workforce challenge Workforce profile and trends of the NHS in England

This is the fourth annual NHS workforce trends report published by the Health Foundation. In it, we analyse the changes in the size and composition of the NHS workforce in England in the context of long-term trends, policy priorities and future projected need.

This report builds on those of previous years to provide analysis of longer-term trends and insights into the changing NHS staff profile. It focuses specifically on the critical NHS workforce issues that have been repeatedly identified in recent years: nursing shortages, and shortages of staff in general practice and primary care.

The report also explores key pressure points:

• student nurses
• the international context and international recruitment 
• retention

The report concludes by summarising the key workforce challenges that will need to be considered in the development of the full NHS people plan.

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