Rheumatology: Labour Turnover
Question
Vicky Foxcroft
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve levels of staff retention of healthcare professionals working in rheumatology services.
Answer
Helen WhatelyThe NHS People Plan and People Promise set out a comprehensive range of actions to improve staff retention. They provide a strong focus on creating a more modern, compassionate and inclusive National Health Service culture by strengthening health and wellbeing, equality and diversity, culture and leadership and flexible working.
NHS priorities and operational planning guidance 2023/24 has asked systems to refresh their 2022/23 whole system workforce plans to improve staff retention through a systematic focus on all elements of the NHS People Promise.
In addition, the NHS Retention Programme is continuously seeking to understand why staff leave, resulting in targeted interventions to support staff to stay whilst keeping them well. A staff retention guide has been updated and includes information on supporting staff in their late and early career with specific focus on induction, reward and recognition and menopause support. These initiatives apply across all NHS staff groups, including healthcare professionals working in rheumatology services.