The NHS must do more to retain staff

The most important resource for the NHS is its staff. When people fall ill, they expect the best and safest treatment, but receiving safe and effective treatment will depend on having an NHS that is well-resourced, with an investment in its staff. The NHS has to do more to develop and retain its most precious resource.

Demands on health service providers are growing, with no signs of a lull any time soon. A range of factors mean that patients increasingly require complex, specialist care, and safety for those using ambulance services is a major concern. As of 31 July 2017, 5 out of 10 NHS ambulance trusts were deemed to require safety improvement, with one trust rated as inadequate. Ambulance calls have also increased from 8.2 million to 9.8 million in 6 years (NHS England, 2017).

A clinical workforce that is skilled and equipped to deal with the changing needs of the population is an absolute must. While this means improving the supply of those entering paramedic practice, there is also a need to develop and motivate those who are already serving as paramedics.