NHS Scotland workforce

ISD has published their statistical survey of the NHS Scotland workforce as at 31 March 2013. Here are some of the key points:

·         The total number of staff in post (excluding GPs & GDs) is 133,205.3, compared with 132,541.5 (WTE) as at 31st December 2012. This is an increase of 0.5% (663.8). This includes 1100 (WTE) Highland council staff that transferred to the NHS.

·         However, there are 4,471 fewer staff (headcount) employed by NHS Scotland since 2009. Nearer 6000 if you take into account the Highland transfers.

·         Nursing & Midwifery accounts for 42.8% of all staff. Administrative Services 18.3%, Support Services 10.3%, and Medical (Hospitals not GPs) 8.4% (all WTE).

·         The number of nursing and midwifery staff in post is 57,036.6 (WTE), compared to 56,608.5 as at 31st December 2012. This is an increase of 0.8% (428.2). However, this is still a reduction of 1392(WTE) since 2009.

·         The use (in hours) of agency nursing and midwifery staff has increased in the year 2012/13 by 14.0% costing an extra £2.5m. The use of Bank staff has increased by 13.1% at a cost of £13.7m.

·         The number of Allied Health Professionals is 9,583.4 (WTE) compared to 9,511.8 as at 31st December 2012. This is an increase of 0.8% (71.5 WTE). OT’s up by 24 (1.2%)

·         The number of administrative staff is 24,381 (WTE) compared to 24,222 as at 31 December 2012. An increase of 0.7% (159.6WTE). Mostly due to a significant increase in NHS24 Call Handlers.

·         The number of support services staff in post as at 31st March 2013 is 13,755.9 (WTE) compared to 13,708.1 as at 31st December 2012. This is an increase of 0.3% (47.7 WTE). Sterile services being the main component of the increase.

·         The number of emergency services staff is 3,670.1 (WTE) compared to 3,661.8 as at 31st December 2012. This is an increase of 0.2% (8.3 WTE). Mostly drivers and technicians. 

·         Across all specialties, the number of Hospital, Community and Public Health Services (HCHS) medical and dental staff is 11,925.9 (WTE), compared to 12,003.3 as at 31st December 2012. This is a decrease of 0.6% (77.4). The number of Consultant posts is up by 37.

For April 2012 to March 2013 the sickness absence rate for Scotland is 4.80% which is an increase from 4.63% in the previous year. 

Equality and diversity data is limited because it is only available for two-thirds of the workforce.  Of those declaring there are: Asian 3039 (2.7%); Black 774 (0.7%); White 106,238 (96.5%). Less than 1000 disabled persons are employed by NHS Scotland.

There are now 1250 (WTE) NHS staff over the state retirement age of 65. A further 6587 staff over 60. Proportionately higher in administrative and support services but still over 2500 nurses.

Staff turnover increased by 40% last year with 9757 leaving their post. This is back to 2009 levels.