Statistics published yesterday have shown that, as of March 2021, there are a record of 124,078 doctors and 304,542 nurses currently working in the NHS.
Compared to the same time last year, there are over 5,600 more doctors and over 10,800 more nurses working in the NHS. There are also record numbers of hospital and community health staff overall (1,197,747).
I hope constituents will be pleased to see this latest positive news, which highlights our continuing commitment to honour our manifesto pledge to deliver 50,000 more NHS nurses by the end of this Parliament.
Through the latest NHS People Plan, published in July 2020, my colleagues in DHSC want to make sure we put the right measures in place to support and grow the workforce. It puts NHS staff wellbeing at its heart with a new recruitment, retention and support package. It also sets out practical support for wellbeing such as safe spaces to rest and recuperate, wellbeing guardians and support to keep staff physically safe and healthy.
Finally, it's also worth noting that there has also been a 34% increase in applicants to study nursing this year, and all eligible nursing, midwifery and allied health professional students will benefit from a non-repayable grant from the government, worth at least £5,000 a year.
Following yesterday's news, my colleague the Health Secretary said:
"It is hugely encouraging to see the number of doctors and nurses has peaked yet again, with over 124,000 doctors and 304,000 nurses working in our NHS.
"Our expanding NHS workforce will help to provide safe care to patients and continue the success of the vaccination programme, as we work to tackle backlogs and build back better.
"I’d like to thank all health and social care staff across the country for their tremendous work and commitment this past year."