An
NHS register set-up to regulate healthcare professionals and protect patients
has seen a substantial rise in registrations over the last 12 months.
The
Health Professions Council (HPC) has added more than 5,000 new members in the
last year, with a total of 144,068 medical staff now registered.
The
HPC was established to regulate health professionals such as chiropodists and
paramedics, while ensuring the public is protected.
The
organisation is now preparing to take members of the Association of Operating
Department Practitioners onto the register within the year.