MPs call for ‘urgent review’ of NHS clinical staffing

A committee of MPs have urged the government to carry out an urgent review of NHS clinical staffing in England, amid concerns over the impact of plans to extend weekend services.

The Public Accounts Committee report has raised concerns about supply, budgeting, agency costs and leadership within the NHS, accusing the government of making "no coherent attempt" to assess the headcount implications of initiatives such as the seven-day NHS.

Though the Department of Health has agreed to provide an extra ten billion pounds in funding for the NHS by 2020, the committee said it is unrealistic to expect this to cover everything, particularly as it has not separately costed its seven-day service plans.

Moreover, NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts are being set unrealistic efficiency targets, all of which is contributing to a severe shortfall in the number of available staff, not helped by inaccurate headcount planning.

Meg Hillier, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: "If the government hopes to reassure the public it has credible plans for staffing and service delivery, we urge it to demonstrate leadership in addressing the pressing concerns detailed in our report."