UEC Workforce

Workforce transformation includes multidisciplinary models involving GPs, pharmacists, physiotherapists, paramedics, advanced practitioners, consultant practitioners, and nurse consultants. Workforce sustainability is framed across social, environmental, and economic pillars. The review connects misalignment between work scope and support to burnout, turnover, and recruitment difficulty. The Fit for Future plan intends to develop advanced practice through training and accreditation and increase nurse consultant numbers, especially in community settings. Urgent and emergency care services are under sustained pressure from rising, unpredictable, seasonal demand and wider healthcare patient-flow constraints. Service pressures affect staff morale, job satisfaction, health, well-being, burnout, retention, sick leave, absenteeism, and potentially patient safety. Recruitment and retention are worse in areas with greater population need and complexity. Expanded work without matching investment, training, or recognition increases workforce sustainability risks. The review is part of the NIHR-funded Workforce Voices partnership focused on workforce sustainability in under-served areas.