The number of qualified nurses working in the Welsh NHS has broken through the 22,000 barrier for the first time, Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford announced.
The latest management information from NHS Wales shows there are now 22,070.3 whole time equivalent (WTE) registered nurses working in the Welsh NHS, up from 21,686.0 WTE in 2011 – an increase of 384 during the current Assembly term.
Last week, the Minister announced investment of £80m to create extra training and education places in 2015-16 to increase the next generation of health professionals to meet the needs of patients across Wales. The number of training places for nurses in 2015-16 will increase by more than a fifth (22%).
Professor Drakeford said:
“I'm delighted to see the number of registered nurses working in the Welsh NHS has exceeded 22,000 for the first time.
“The continued investment in NHS staff means Wales has seen the largest rise in the number of nurses in post since 1999. The overall number of nursing staff in post has increased each year between 1999 and 2014.
“This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to invest in staff - the NHS's greatest asset - as part of our determination to ensure patients receive the very best care.”
