Scotland gets workforce planning framework
A framework to enable the NHS in Scotland to plan its workforce was published recently by the Scottish Executive.
It outlines challenges facing the NHS in the next 10 years and explains
what action needs to be taken to meet these challenges. It builds on a
baseline workforce plan produced in 2004. NHS boards are expected to use
the framework to produce staff projections.
“The National Workforce Planning Framework 2005” allows the
NHS to plan workforce numbers for the future and to take the necessary
action to balance supply and demand through recruitment and retention
initiatives and educational activity including determining the numbers
in training,” commented health minister Andy Kerr.
The framework states that it has already been recognised that the skills
of the pharmacy workforce could be put to better use. Further work is
ongoing about how new roles will change the demand for pharmacists and
support staff. It also notes that, within community pharmacy, the new
pharmacy contract will impact on workforce planning although its full
effect cannot yet be assessed. |
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