HEALTH workers across Worcestershire have increased in number rapidly, according to new data.

Figures from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust reveal how there are 254 extra clinical staff since 2010 including nurses, doctors and midwives.

The surge, which takes data from the summer of 2010 compared to May this year, has been lauded by Worcester MP Robin Walker.

Breaking down the figures it includes 27 additional NHS doctors in the county and 144 extra nurses, midwives or health visitors.

The overall figure of 254, which includes other health specialists, is an extra 9.6 per cent front line workers.

It comes despite serious concern about waiting times at hospitals over the last two winters, and the closure of the trust's walk-in clinic in Farrier Street, Worcester in the autumn which led to vociferous opposition.

Recent data from NHS England showed how 165 patients visiting Worcestershire Royal Hospital had to wait between four and 12 hours at A&E due to the pressure on staff.

Mr Walker said: "I have been proud to back increased investment in our NHS every year during my time as MP.

"I'm delighted this extra money has found its way to clinical jobs on the front line and as a result we have more doctors, more nurses and more midwives in Worcestershire than we did in 2010.

"This is even before the new announcements of billions more support.

“2015 will be a very exciting year for our local NHS with the new Worcestershire Oncology centre, the breast unit under construction and a new midwife led maternity unit at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. I look forward to supporting the NHS in the year ahead."

The Conservative held talks with senior management of the trust last week to confirm the opening of the new £24 million radiotherapy department is on track for January.

In addition, eight oncology registrars have already been recruited for the Worcestershire Oncology Centre.

The trust is halfway towards its fundraising target for a new Breast Cancer Care Unit in conjunction with the Haven – the first of its kind to combine clinical treatment and complementary support for patients.

Health chiefs gave the green light for work on the unit to start last week.

Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, says the people are facing "a difficult winter of trolley waits and ambulances queues" unless more cash is spent on the front line.