Wales outlines NHS workforce plans

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Nurses in Wales could have new specialist roles and manage out lesser tasks to health care assistants, according to a workforce review.

The report, commissioned by the Welsh Assembly, says that those working in the traditional health professions, on Agenda for Change band five or above, will be increasing involved in complex areas of patient care.

Following a period of consolidation after registration, they will support 'innovative service development', which will be delivered by the management of lower band workers, including assistant practitioner and other health care support workers (HCSW).

The development of a strategic approach to creating a more flexible and sustainable workforce for NHS Wales was carried out to consider how and when changes should be made, because, according to the report, the NHS can not afford to continue to provide or staff the service the way it currently does.

Its recommendations will now be piloted in four NHS organisations, including the North East Wales NHS Trust, until the end of the current financial year, before potentially being rolled out across the rest of Wales.