Significant weaknesses found in ‘optimistic’ NHS workforce plan, report says

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} NHS England has been over-optimistic and there are “significant weaknesses” in its plan for the future of the health service workforce, a report has found. “However, NHS England must strengthen its workforce modelling next time around to make better-informed decisions about the NHS’s future workforce.” Dr Navina Evans, NHS England’s chief workforce officer, said the long term workforce plan is “based on credible and robust modelling” which has been developed by experts and assessed by think tank The Health Foundation. Responding to the NAO report, Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive at NHS Providers, said: “Trust leaders want – and need – the NHS long term workforce plan to be a success. “The workforce plan was rapidly produced and this report makes it clear that further work is needed by national bodies to ensure the ambitious goals within this landmark plan match reality.” Anita Charlesworth, director of the REAL Centre at the Health Foundation, urged all political parties to commit to funding the expansion of NHS workforce training ahead of the next general election.