The availability of resources, including funding

These issues cover two areas: staff shortages and NHS funding. Several people commented on the problem of GP recruitment mentioned in the public consultation document. They particularly wanted to know how we will solve the problem as the health investment plan aims to increase the range of services available locally and this would require more staff.

There was also a concern that the health investment plan would be expensive to implement and the lack of money in the NHS would put it in jeopardy.

The problem of staff shortages will need to be resolved whether or not the Health Investment Plan is implemented. The answer to the problem is not simply to try to fill current vacancies, but to look critically at how we provide services, determine more appropriate ways in which they can be staffed and make jobs more attractive to prospective employees.

By developing new GP, nurse and therapy specialist roles we can enhance the work individuals undertake, make their jobs more interesting and rewarding, and increase the likelihood of new recruits seeking work in the area. The development of specialist roles also provides patients with more choice as to whom they can go for their treatment.

We already have several GP specialists in the area who work with and support our hospital consultants. We have generally been successful in recruiting doctors, even for those services where there are national shortages. This is partly because we have a good reputation within the NHS and have been looking at innovative ways to develop new ways of working.

Recruitment problems will continue for many years to come and the Health Investment Plan will help us to continue to maintain and improve our staffing situation as we expand our services and increase our staffing numbers.

The new services, new buildings and additional staff will increase the cost of running the local NHS. Current estimates indicate our running costs will increase by £14 million by 2010. The local PCTs have all confirmed their commitment to funding this additional cost and have included it in their future plans.

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