Shortage of UK nurses could continue for years

Experts have predicted that the current shortage of nurses in the UK is set to continue for years and could get worse.

The warnings have come about after a report in early 2016 on the nursing workforce by the Institute for Employment Studies for the Migration Advisory Committee. Key indicators have been identified as ageing workforce, poor government planning and the risks from Brexit.

The report brought about a relaxation of rules and the granting of 15,000 visas over the next three years for nurses from outside of the European single market.

Evidence highlighted in the report showed that one in 10 nursing posts was unfilled and with one in three nurses being over the age of 50, the NHS faces a retirement time bomb.

13% of the UK’s nursing workforce is made up of foreign nurses, a third of which have come from EU countries, and the report authors believe that this workforce could diminish over the coming years following the vote to leave.

Report author Rachel Marangozov said “The government needs to act now to ensure that the UK has a domestic supply of nurses to fill these future posts. This will require adequate and sustained investment in workforce planning.”

Janet Davies, general secretary of the RCN, said “This report makes sobering reading and it is clear that without urgent action the UK is heading for a major nursing shortage.

“Thanks to years of short-term thinking, the UK is completely unprepared to deal with the challenges posed by an ageing workforce, increasing demand and now the uncertainty caused by leaving the EU.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said “As the Health Secretary has already said, EU workers are a crucial part of our NHS and the training and retention of home-grown nurses is a top priority for this government.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 028 2969