Nursing staff numbers creep up, but recruitment fears remain
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Nursing staff numbers creep up, but recruitment fears remain

Figures show that nursing and midwifery workforce numbers in the UK are increasing, but there are concerns about the long-term impact of COVID-19 on recruitment.

Nursing Standard. 35, 12, 7-7. doi: 10.7748/ns.35.12.7.s5

Published: 02 December 2020

Statistics from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) reveal the number of nurses and midwives in the UK, and nursing associates in England, on its permanent register grew by 7,909 to 724,516 between 1 April and 30 September – an increase of 1.1%.

The number of nurses on the register increased by 5,949 (0.9%) while midwife numbers increased by 937 (2.5%). The number of nursing associates working in England rose by 1,014 (59.9%).

The number of professionals from outside the European Economic Area grew by 1,557 (1.8%) to 85,873.

The figures also show more professionals aged 56 and over on the register, rising by 4,954 (3.4%) to 150,531

NMC chief executive Andrea Sutcliffe said: ‘Over the past few months, we’ve needed our dedicated nurses, midwives and nursing associates like never before.’

Ms Sutcliffe said growth is good news, but warned about the impact of COVID-19 on future recruitment. ‘We must do all we can to nurture and support nursing staff so they choose to stay once the crisis has passed.’

rcni.com/workforce-numbers

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