Nursing Leaders Advocate for Student Loan Forgiveness to Enhance Local Healthcare Workforce
There is a record high number of nurses and midwives in the UK, but a decline in overseas qualified staff highlights the need to train more professionals locally.
Policy makers are recommending measures such as student loan forgiveness programs to ensure there is an adequate supply of native nursing staff to meet the healthcare demands.
New data shows that the total register of nursing and midwifery professionals in the UK has reached 841,367, an all-time high.
The only decrease is seen in the number of dual-qualified professionals, down 1.3 percent to 6,278.
23.8 Percent Qualified Overseas
Over 200,000 overseas trained professionals are on the register, with 23.8 percent of the UK nursing and midwifery workforce being internationally qualified.
Of these, 67,576 were trained in India (an 8.3 percent increase since April), and 50,180 in the Philippines (a 2.2 percent increase).
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However, there was a decline of 16.6 percent in new overseas registrants since April, and a 33 percent increase in international staff leaving. This trend is attributed to 2,573 professionals leaving the register between April and September, accounting for 1.4 percent of all international professionals.
While the total number of professionals joining the register for the first time decreased by 9.2 percent, and total leavers increased by 6.3 percent, the proportion of leavers remains at 1.7 percent of the growing register.
‘Small Comfort’
Kuljit Dhillon, NMC’s interim executive director of strategy and insight, expressed optimism about the record register despite challenges in international recruitment. She emphasized the importance of viewing leavers’ data in the context of a growing register.
Several nursing bodies have cautioned that NHS reforms may struggle without addressing recruitment and retention issues in the profession. Professor Nicola Ranger, from the Royal College of Nursing, described the latest figures as concerning for patients and urged action to address the recruitment and retention challenges.
She highlighted the need for initiatives like a loan forgiveness scheme to boost domestic recruitment and ensure the delivery of NHS reforms.
Student Numbers Falling
As student nurse numbers decline in the UK, there are concerns about the future of the profession and patient care. Ranger stressed the urgency for ministers to address recruitment and retention challenges to safeguard patient safety.
She pointed out that low pay and challenging working conditions are contributing to burnout among nursing staff, pushing them to leave the profession early.
A YouGov poll revealed public support for writing off student loans for nurses who work in public services, highlighting the importance of investing in healthcare professionals.
Billy Palmer, from the Nuffield Trust, welcomed the growth in the register but cautioned about ongoing workforce shortages. He highlighted the need for bold measures to ensure a sustainable healthcare workforce for the future.
‘Increasingly Inexperienced’ Workforce
Palmer noted that the nursing and midwifery workforce in the UK is becoming less experienced, with shortages in critical areas. He emphasized the importance of addressing these trends and investing in domestic training and education to sustain the workforce.
The Department of Health acknowledged the challenges faced by nurses and committed to working with staff to rebuild healthcare services.
PA Media contributed to this report.
