South Cumbria NHS staff shortages due to 'competition' - report

Adult social care staff are leaving roles at a higher rate than they are replaced

NHS staff shortages in south Cumbria have been blamed on rurality, competition for jobs and tourism.

A report prepared for Westmorland and Furness Council set out the challenges in recruiting and retaining staff.

It stated adult social care was facing "unprecedented pressures nationally", as well as having its own unique challenges.

Actions taken to tackle them include working with BAE Systems to develop a new careers hub.

The report, which was prepared ahead of the health and adults overview and scrutiny committee on 7 March, draws attention to the diversity of the area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It says that while Furness typically suffers due to its geographical location as a peninsula, and has poor housing, it also struggles with competition for employment with BAE, which has a site in Barrow.

'Influx of tourists'

Westmorland, instead, has expensive homes and an ageing population.

"The influx of tourists bringing seasonal changes in service demand exacerbates the situation.

"The challenges to retain and attract the workforce are many," the report adds.

It also highlights how nationally, adult social care staff are leaving roles at a higher rate than they are replaced.

'Working together'

According to the report, a programme has been established to tackle workforce challenges across south Cumbria.

"We are now working with BAE Systems to support the development of their new careers hub in Barrow to be reflective of wider opportunities and we are working together to increase recruitment to the area by offering partner/family interviews across sectors," it said.

There will also be a "rolling programme" of recruitment and careers events across south Cumbria and surrounding areas, with a careers and engagement event set to take place in Barrow on 6 March.