Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Legal News

DoH denies NHS is relying on migrant nurses more than ever (30 October 2014)

Date: 30/10/2014
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, DoH denies NHS is relying on migrant nurses more than ever

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has revealed that the number of nurses from overseas registering in the UK rose by 45% in the last year – showing how much the NHS is relying on overseas recruitment to maintain services.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has previously said that without immigration to the UK, both the NHS and the City would “fall over”.

However, the RCN has accused the government of relying on foreign nurses as a short-term, expensive fix rather than training more nurses from the UK.

The Department of Health (DoH) has responded to RCN criticism of its policy of recruiting nurses from overseas, saying that the figures quoted by the RCN are misleading – and do not represent the actual number of nurses working in Britain.

The figures were obtained from a Freedom of Information Request by the RCN – and are based on data from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which show that, for the first time since 2005-2006, more nurses arrived in the UK to work for the NHS than those who migrated in 2013-2014 to work elsewhere in the world.

Last year, there were 6,228 nursing registrations from overseas nurses, representing an increase of nearly 45% on figures for 2012-2103. In that year, 4,379 nurses quit the NHS to work abroad.

Nurses from overseas comprise 22% of all nursing registrations, the data shows.

Nursing places for British-born trainees have remained at an all-time low since 2003, however.

A spokesman for the DoH said:

“These figures are misleading –they reflect the number of nurses and midwives registered with the NMC, not how many are working in the UK.

“There are now over 5,600 more nurses on our wards than in 2010 – and we have created 1,000 extra adult nursing training places this year.

“Over the same period, there are 3,240 fewer registered nurses and midwives from overseas.

“Overseas nurses have always made a valuable contribution to the NHS – and the majority of British nurses who work abroad come back with more experience to help them better look after patients in the UK.”

The RCN’s chief executive and general secretary Dr Peter Carter said:

“Overseas nurses have always provided a valuable service to the NHS – but cuts to student places, poor morale and short-term planning mean that now hospitals are forced to pay over the odds to agencies, as they desperately try to fill vacancies.

“The NHS is one of the greatest health services in the world, training nurses to a world class standard – it shouldn't have to raid the workforces of other countries just to keep providing care to patients.

"It is common sense that relying on short-term fixes is far more expensive in the long run – yet the UK has been cutting the supply of nurses to save money, then realising too late that patient safety is in danger and paying even more money to recruit from overseas.

“It is the equivalent of relying on payday loans and it is no way to run a health service.”

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise migrants coming to the UK to work and study on a wide range of immigration matters, including right to work in Britain and student visas.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors and can also advise on:

• Asylum and asylum appeals
• British citizenship
• Fast-track Detention process
• Marriage in the UK
• Spouse and partner visas
• Student visas
• Visa overstays.

For expert legal advice on UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, HA1 3BN. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.