NHS BOSSES raised concerns about Tory efforts to tackle mounting staff shortages today after Health Secretary Steve Barclay refused to commit to publishing a long-awaited workforce plan in the near future.
NHS Providers deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery warned it appeared the proposals, which she previously thought were “imminent,” had been delayed.
The warning came after Mr Barclay told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that the plan would only be published “before the next general election,” due by January 2025.
The former Brexit secretary blamed the Covid-19 pandemic and “various things that have been happening in recent years” for the hold-up.
But Ms Cordery, whose organisation represents NHS hospital, mental health, community and ambulance services, suggested the delay could be linked to the need for funding.
“We know that when it comes, it will be a very significant commitment of funding from the government because what we’re talking