The NHS workforce is set for a £3.4 billion boost following the announcement of an extra 8000 training places.

Health minister John Hutton said the cash would fund more nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and a new recruitment campaign.

The latest spending announcement increases the NHS training budget by more than 12 per cent and by 2005 trusts will be getting £4.1 billion-a-year to pour into staff development.

Funding will also cover the development of existing NHS staff, including those who do not currently have professional qualifications.

"Increasing the numbers of training places is crucial to helping the NHS expand the services it provides to patients," Hutton said.

"There are already more nurses, doctors and allied health professionals working in the NHS than ever before and more staff in training but we need to build on this success.''

The Royal College of Nursing welcomed the news but warned it would have to be supported with better pay and conditions.

"Nurses' pay and conditions and career opportunities will have to develop to ensure they do not leave the profession," said a spokesman.