The NHS could propose more medical career opportunities to combat workforce crisis

As reported by The Guardian, more study places should be made available for youth interested in pursuing medical careers

In order to combat the healthcare workforce crisis, the NHS is expected to publish its workforce plan next month.

One such publication involves raising the number of seats available in medical schools from 7,500 to 15,000.

Various medical unions and NHS staff have spent years stressing the need for the government to take the lack of healthcare staff growth in the UK as a critical matter. The NHS is currently suffering from a lack of approximately 133,000 staff members including doctors and nurses.

Medical staff have warned that the shortage of operating workers are not only impacting on their own health but also putting patients at risk and costing the NHS even more money. Figures report that the healthcare service has spent £6.2bn annually in order to cover salaries for temporary staff to fill unallocated shifts.

The Medical Schools Council has proposed to expand medical training opportunities by 5,000. It is encouraged that A-level students showing aptitude and interest in the medical sector should be given the opportunity for further study rather than being restricted due to limited study spaces.