The number of managers in the Welsh NHS has risen by nearly a fifth in the last five years and the number of nurses has fallen by 10,000, according to the Assembly Government’s own figures, uncovered by the Welsh Conservatives.
The number of managers in the Welsh NHS has increased by 20.4% since 2005, including a rise of nearly 31.4% in admin and estates managers.
In contrast, the number of nurses has fallen by 25.7%, from 40,269 in 2005 to 29,915 in 2009.
Several categories of specialised hospital medical staff have also fallen, including geriatric medicine down by 29.6% and neurosurgery down by 15%.
Overall, the number of hospital medical staff has increased by 10.1% since 2005, at less than half the rate of NHS managers.
Shadow Health Minister Andrew RT Davies AM, who uncovered the figures, expressed concern that they undermine the First Minister’s commitment to protect frontline services, amid warnings from the RCN that nursing jobs could be lost.
Andrew RT Davies said, “We accept the need for leadership and direction at all levels of the NHS, but these figures demonstrate that NHS resources are being directed at managerial posts at the expense of hospital medical staff.
“While Ministers trumpet increases in certain specialist staff, such rises are failing to keep pace with rapid increases in managers.
“It is concerning that despite an ageing population certain specialist clinical posts are falling, with geriatric posts down by 29.6% and neurosurgery roles down by 15%.
“At a time when Welsh Ministers are facing financial pressures in the NHS, due in part to their failure to protect the health budget and made worse by their decision to take £435million out of the health budget this year, we must ensure that funding is prioritised at the frontline.
“Warnings from the RCN about potential job cuts in the NHS could increase pressure on Local Health Boards, which have already been charged with reducing band 5 nurses by 3% through the Annual Operating Framework.
“It is essential that we have the right mix of skilled staff in the Welsh Health Service if the standard of patient care is to rise to meet the needs and expectations of the people of Wales.”
