Workforce: NHS homes fund would give staff a glimmer of hope

NHS Confederation proposal for a £10 billion housing fund for workers shows creativity in supporting NHS staff, says workforce expert James Buchan

Buried in the recent avalanche of negative news about nursing shortages and Brexit is a glimmer of hope – perhaps.

The NHS Confederation has floated the idea of setting up a £10 billion NHS homes fund to enable the health service to provide staff housing. With the average UK house price being more than £200,000 – almost £500,000 in London – it is no surprise that NHS employers are struggling to recruit.

House-price pressures

Many NHS workers cannot afford to buy a home near their workplace, or within easy commuting distance. NHS pay has been capped for the past seven