The Department of Health has launched a consultation process as a move towards its first human resources strategy. The importance of the strategy was stressed by Health Minister Alan Milburn when he said: “The health and well-being of staff is central to the health and well-being of the NHS. The interests of staff and the interests of patients are inextricably linked. Treat staff well and they will treat patients better. I want to involve staff in developing the new system and I want to involve staff in helping to ensure its success.”A recent survey into why nurses leave the NHS has shown that causes include: better promotion opportunities elsewhere, gaining broader experience, better training, more suitable working hours and less stress. These findings have contributed to identifying issues which the human resource strategy must address if it is to be successful. The issues are:

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