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Written question asked by Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 (named day). It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Psychiatry and Psychology: Recruitment

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many psychologists and psychiatrists have been (a) recently recruited and (b) are working in the NHS.

Answer

The number of psychologists and psychiatrists working in National Health Service trusts and other core organisations in England is published monthly by NHS England as part of their NHS Workforce Statistics Collection. This information includes data on the number of joiners, although it is not detailed enough to show how many psychologists and psychiatrists are newly recruited. It can also include people moving between NHS roles or training placements, so they may not show true new recruitment. The latest data is available at the following link within the file NHS HCHS Workforce Statistics, Trusts and core organisations - data tables, February 2026:

https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-workforce-statistics/february-2026

The data includes staff employed by NHS trusts and other core NHS organisations and will therefore exclude staff directly employed by primary care, general practitioner surgeries, local authorities, and other providers such as community interest companies and private providers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1034
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Recruitment Psychiatry Psychology
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk