The government has welcomed new figures showing that the number of doctors and nurses working in the NHS is now at a 15 year high.

Statistics released by the Department of Health indicated that in the last six months the number of nurses employed by NHS trusts in England has increased by 9000.

Over the same period there has been a rise of almost 1500 in the number of consultants.

"This shows that recruitment is speeding up in line with record investment in the health service," said the department.

The figures also show that there are 1000 more allied health professionals working in the NHS since September 2002.

Data since Labour took office in 1997 shows there are now 6500 more consultants, 1600 more GPs, and 55,000 extra nurses.

"These figures show that we are seeing a steady, year-on-year improvement in the number of doctors and nurses and other frontline healthcare staff working within the NHS," said health minister John Hutton.

"This is directly related to the record levels of resources being invested into the service.

"Expanding and increasing the workforce is vital if we are to build a modern NHS capable of treating patients with the speed and efficiency they deserve.

"But we are not complacent and that is why we are continuing to make the NHS an attractive place to work."