First reported 7 Jan 2013•Latest report 4 Feb 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes failures of doctor or medical staffing capacity, coverage, availability or resilience that delay or prevent timely patient review, assessment, emergency response, clinical queries, home visits or other required patient care.
Not included
Excludes delays or failures caused by non-staffing factors such as escalation, appointment management, documentation, information access or clinical decision-making when adequate staffing is available.
Excludes poor-quality assessment or review where the evidence does not identify insufficient medical staffing capacity as the unsafe condition.
Excludes staffing deficiencies unrelated to timely patient care, such as excessive working hours without a supported patient-care impact.
Reports
57
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
61
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2013–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
118
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Department of Health and Social Care14
NHS England11
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust3
Barts Health NHS Trust2
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust2
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board2
Royal College of Emergency Medicine2
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health2
Royal College of Radiologists2
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust2
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust2
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust2
Aneurin Bevan University LHB1
Ashford and St Peter'S Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust1
Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB1
NHS trust34
Ministerial department14
Executive non-departmental public body11
Healthcare site6
Health professional body6
Local health board4
Private limited company4
Integrated care board3
Type not available3
Multi-service care provider2
Professional body2
Company limited by guarantee1
Coronial office1
Devolved government1
Health and care professional regulator1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
Liverpool and the Wirral
Concerns raised1
Unavailability of Haematologist capacity to address coagulopathy management needs
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.7
Action
Review the distribution of medical specialty training posts and begin reallocating posts to support equitable workforce distribution.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 February 2023.
Action
Establish eight additional haematology training places as part of cancer and diagnostic workforce investment.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 February 2023.
Action
Fund 1,500 additional undergraduate medical school places annually for domestic students in England.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 February 2023.
Action
Commission a report on the long-term strategic drivers of workforce demand and supply.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 February 2023.
Action
Commission NHS England to develop a long-term workforce plan addressing workforce demand and supply.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 February 2023.
Action
Deliver initiatives to improve retention, wellbeing and career progression for doctors in training, including flexible training opportunities.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 February 2023.
Action
Analyse cancer call-for-evidence responses to develop a 10 Year Cancer Plan covering workforce requirements, including blood cancer.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 February 2023.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Insufficient senior emergency department doctor staffing at night
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Gwent
Concerns raised1
Inadequate staffing levels for the full range of Emergency Department duties
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Complete a review of Emergency Department nurse staffing levels following the Regulation 28 Report.
Stated by Aneurin Bevan University LHBStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 15 July 2021.
Action
Complete an in-depth review of Emergency Department nurse staffing levels at Grange University Hospital, considering increased demand and relevant staffing guidance.
Stated by Aneurin Bevan University LHBStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 15 July 2021.
Action
Undertake a review of Emergency Department medical staffing alongside the nurse staffing review.
Stated by Aneurin Bevan University LHBStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 15 July 2021.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Nurse staffing levels were adequate and did not prevent neurological observations.
Stated by Aneurin Bevan University LHBDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Insufficient GP capacity to see patients
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
Action
Gather workforce data and identify Trafford primary-care areas needing workforce-model support through the Primary Care Workforce Delivery Group.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 22 October 2020.
Action
Lead the Greater Manchester GP Retention Scheme to promote flexible working and support retention of general-practice clinicians.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 22 October 2020.
Action
Use 2020/21 Trafford funding to secure Basic Trainer Course placements for five GPs, increasing local training capacity.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 22 October 2020.
Action
Undertake a practice diagnostic and progress its resulting organisational action plan with the CCG’s primary-care leadership.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 22 October 2020.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
The practice had slightly more GP appointments available than average, disputing that insufficient GP cover caused the concern.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
The CCG could not recruit additional GPs, appoint a caretaker or formally intervene because operational responsibility remained with the practice contract holder.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
East London
Concerns raised1
Insufficient gynae-oncology consultant cover
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon
Concerns raised2
Insufficient radiology clinician staffing
Lack of medical cover at the community hospital during out-of-hours admissions
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Increase the radiology establishment by four posts and further expand it.
Stated by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 6 June 2019.
Action
Review estimated radiology demand against capacity through business planning.
Stated by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 6 June 2019.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
The vacant neuroradiologist post was not a contributory factor in the incident.
Stated by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Insufficient doctor staffing capacity for emergencies, clinical queries and home visits
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.5
Action
Maintain a protocol requiring home visits requested before closing to be completed after 18:30 when necessary.
Stated by Highlands & Trafalgar Square SurgeryStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 May 2019.
Action
Provide cross-cover through two nearby practices, allowing clinicians to access the practice clinical system remotely during capacity pressures or emergencies.
Stated by Highlands & Trafalgar Square SurgeryStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 May 2019.
Action
Deliver group resilience training focused on home visits, emergencies and testing staff knowledge of operational policies.
Stated by Highlands & Trafalgar Square SurgeryStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 May 2019.
Action
Review protocols in light of the concerns raised.
Stated by Highlands & Trafalgar Square SurgeryStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 May 2019.
Action
Arrange telephone triage training for the identified doctor through accredited third-party trainers.
Stated by Highlands & Trafalgar Square SurgeryStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 23 May 2019.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.4
Position
Three doctors were working on 21 August 2018, contrary to the concern that only one doctor was on duty.
Stated by Highlands & Trafalgar Square SurgeryDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
The afternoon was not habitually busy; the doctor saw nine patients and had six unused appointments, including three afternoon slots.
Stated by Highlands & Trafalgar Square SurgeryDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
Home-visit resources were available: three GPs were available and only two morning visits were requested and completed.
Stated by Highlands & Trafalgar Square SurgeryDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
Existing home-visit protocols, triage, late-visit practice and cross-cover arrangements were considered sufficient for operational resilience.
Stated by Highlands & Trafalgar Square SurgeryExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Birmingham and Solihull
Concerns raised1
Insufficient nursing and clinical staffing for very sick babies
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.5
Action
Allocate nurses to specific babies on every shift and reinforce the allocation process through staff communications.
Stated by Birmingham Women'S and Children'S NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 25 September 2018.
Action
Implement the neonatal workforce plan and continue recruitment to restore staffing capacity.
Stated by Birmingham Women'S and Children'S NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 25 September 2018.
Action
Reconstruct and align the NICU e-roster with the workforce plan.
Stated by Birmingham Women'S and Children'S NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 25 September 2018.
Action
Move babies where possible to support the safest care, while embedding the practice fully.
Stated by Birmingham Women'S and Children'S NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 25 September 2018.
Action
Price the Vocera system for staff to summon colleague support.
Stated by Birmingham Women'S and Children'S NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 25 September 2018.
Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
Concerns raised1
Insufficient A&E Doctor staffing to cover patient needs
This report raised 7 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Short-notice Emergency Department staffing gaps cannot always be covered because of workforce fragility and limited available doctors and agency staff.
Stated by the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS TrustUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Blackpool and the Fylde
Concerns raised1
Delays in doctor assessment after triage
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.11
Action
Complete a capacity and demand review of Emergency Department nursing and medical staffing.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Prepare and submit a paper seeking approval for increased Emergency Department staffing establishment.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Continue substantive recruitment to staffing vacancies and provide safe day-to-day shift cover.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Identify, escalate and safely manage medical and nursing staffing gaps through governance arrangements.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Operate the Better Care Now programme to improve patient flow across the health system.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Develop and implement an Escalation and Surge Protocol with agreed escalation criteria and assigned actions.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Use the SAFER care bundle to improve ward patient management and discharge planning.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Introduce a centralised control room to improve operational management of patient flow.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Maximise Ambulatory Emergency Care pathways so suitable patients are managed outside the Emergency Department.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Introduce therapies in the Emergency Department to accelerate admission or discharge decisions.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
Action
Provide triage nurses at reception to improve streaming and fast initial assessment.
Stated by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 1 July 2018.
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Includes failures of doctor or medical staffing capacity, coverage, availability or resilience that delay or prevent timely patient review, assessment, emergency response, clinical queries, home visits or other required patient care.
