NHS: Staff Numbers after Covid-19

Lord Green of Deddington Excerpts

Thursday 4th March 2021 Grand Committee

[Lord Green of Deddington (CB) [V]]

My Lords, as the noble Lord, Lord Clark, outlined, we have for years failed to train the medical staff we need. To take doctors, for example, the numbers are astonishing: over one-third of our doctors—35%—obtained their qualifications overseas, yet in both France and Germany the figure is below 10%. Meanwhile, some 8,000 British applicants are being turned away every year.

The figures for nursing are even worse. Until 2016, more than 30,000 UK applicants were turned away every year, while tens of thousands of nurses were recruited from abroad, often from countries that need them far more than we do.

Finally, the Covid crisis is an opportunity for a major reform of medical training. I certainly hope the Government will take it. The NHS’s standing has never been higher and the number of volunteers has never been greater. We need some firm action. Our young people deserve these opportunities. I look forward to the Minister’s response.

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Baroness Watkins of Tavistock) (CB)]

I now call the noble Baroness, Lady Greengross.