Hospital staff shortages lead to financial crisis

16 September 2014

An article in The Oxford Mail reports that “Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust was in a ‘very volatile position’ after it was revealed spending on bank and agency staff has risen 38 per cent”. There are several reasons for staff shortages in the Oxford NHS, including a general lack of qualified staff coming through the education and training system.

But a companion editorial in the Oxford Mail focuses on the problems staff have in finding affordable places to live and from where they can afford to travel to work. In saying

More must be done to make Oxfordshire an easy and attractive place to work. That means making homes affordable and school places easier to find. NHS Trusts can only do so much, all authorities must pull together – transport, councils and developers – to play a role in sorting this.

The Oxford Mail echoes Oxford Futures’ own conviction that concerted action and leadership are the only way to ensure a pleasant and prosperous future for Oxford and central Oxfordshire.