Sir David Nicholson’s response to the NHS Workforce Census today:

"Not only does the Census show we have more GPs, nurses and clinicians, we can also see a welcome change in working practices in the NHS.

"The fact there are 1,900 more GPs and 3,000 more nurses working in the community means we are doing what we said we would in the NHS, which is to move care closer to people's homes. It's what patients have told us they want.

"The Census shows the largest rise in GP numbers since 1997.

"The NHS is also halfway towards creating 4,000 extra midwives, which is double the initial Government target to create an extra 1,000 by 2009.

“There have been significant increases in the number of consultants and radiographers, who are supporting the pledge to give cancer patients diagnostic testing within two weeks of GP referral, reducing to one week.

“The NHS has enjoyed record investment over the last decade and patients have reaped the benefits. It is NHS staff who have delivered these benefits - reducing healthcare associated infections to their lowest ever rate, reducing waiting times in A & E and for hospital treatment, and expanding access to GP services.

“However the NHS is entering a period of less growth and the service is focused on improving quality and productivity to release efficiency savings that can be re-invested back into the service."

On the increase of NHS Managers:

A DH spokesperson said:

 “Although there has been a large percentage rise in the number of managers, overall they make up just 3.5% of the NHS workforce.

“Increases in the number of NHS managers in the past have supported the service in meeting challenging priorities, including delivering financial turnaround, record low waiting times, improved access to care and the lowest ever rate of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).

“However with less growth in the future, the NHS must continue to improve patient care, generating efficiency savings by reducing management and back-office costs, and implementing new ways of working.

“That is why it was announced in December, through the Operating Framework, that the NHS will reduce management costs by 30 per cent by 2013/14.”