Universities and NHS Trusts will also need enough staff and resources to be able to properly train new staff.
The number of trainee nurses and midwives would need to nearly double in order for the government to meet its pledges in the NHS workforce plan.
According to the Health Foundation, nursing and midwifery training intakes, including nursing associates and health visitors, would increase by around 32,000, from 40,400 in 2022/23 to 72,400 by 2031/32.
The analysis published today by the health think tank shows the scale of the challenge facing universities and healthcare providers as they prepare to expand the intake of clinical students to meet the commitments set out in the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan.
Medical school places would also need to increase by 7,500 to a total of 15,000 by 2031/32.
The report warns to deliver on the plans, universities and NHS Trusts will need enough staff and resources to be able to properly train new staff.
Long-term capital investment.
A lack of published plans to expand the overall number of student places means it could be a challenge for the government to honour their pledge.
Economist for Health Foundation’s REAL Centre Nihar Shembavnekar, explained: “The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan is a major milestone and is rightly ambitious about increasing the number of trained NHS staff.
“However, the implications for universities and health care providers, and the speed at which they will need to increase capacity for training health care workers, should not be underestimated.”
They add, “Boosting health care training places is vital to address chronic staff shortages and meet the future needs of the NHS but it is just as crucial to improve staff retention.
“The government should also commit to the long-term capital investment needed to give the NHS the modern buildings, equipment, and technology it desperately needs to make the plan work.’
