Successful methods of recruiting and keeping staff working for hospital intensive care units are among plans to be shared among hospitals that will be announced by health minister Rosie Winterton.

The document, called ‘Recruitment and Retention of Staff in Critical Care’, aims to share ideas of schemes that have helped hospitals overcome staff shortage problems.

Popular ideas among intensive care staff include the introduction of flexible working hours and opportunities to study to gain extra qualifications.

Speaking at the Royal College of Nursing Critical Care Conference in Newcastle last week, Winterton said: “The document contains many practical examples that local units and hospitals can use to adopt and consider; as maintaining a motivated workforce will enable the delivery of an efficient critical care services.

“To further improve care for acutely ill patients we must have sufficient numbers of appropriately trained, motivated staff of all professions and backgrounds to progress further.”