Rise in recruitment welcome but retention also key, says NHS Providers

Responding to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) mid-year registration data report, which shows the number of registered nurses and midwives is at a record high but with more new joiners from ‘red list’ countries, Miriam Deakin, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers said: 

“The rise in registered nurses, midwives, and nursing associates is a welcome boost for a depleted workforce. However, demand on healthcare services has also risen since the pandemic, so the mismatch between demand and capacity persists.

“Recruiting more staff only goes so far to address this. We also need to focus on retaining staff by continuing to improve workplace culture, which includes stamping out racism and discrimination.

“While overseas healthcare workers in the UK are invaluable, the rise in joiners from ‘red list’ countries is concerning. International recruitment must be done ethically, in line with the Department of Health and Social Care’s Code of Practice.

“The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan aims to drive domestic training alongside international recruitment. For this to be realised, the plan must be adequately funded by the government.”