More EU nurses leaving the UK

New figures, released by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), have revealed that there has been a substantial increase in the number of EU nurses and midwives leaving the register.

Alongside a continued decline in the number joining the register from the EU, the figures indicate that 3,962 people left the register between April 2017 and March 2018, representing an increase of 29 per cent. Furthermore, 805 EU nurses and midwives joined the register over the same period, compared with 6,382 the year before, representing a drop of 87 per cent.

However, in a more positive trend, the number of UK trained nurses and midwives registered to work is at its highest level for four years, while 4,034 fewer people left the register. The number of nurses and midwives joining the register from outside the EU has also risen for the fourth consecutive year.

Having surveyed 3,496 people who left the register between June and November 2017, the NMC also reported that Brexit was cited as the top reason for EU nurses and midwives leaving the UK, while retirement, staffing levels and changes to personal circumstances were the main reasons for UK registrants leaving.

Jackie Smith, chief executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said: “The number of people from the EU leaving our register remains a major concern, despite reassuring comments from senior members of government and nurse leaders. While the picture for UK trained nurses and midwives appears to be stabilising.

“We asked people why they were leaving and for the small number of EU nurses and midwives who responded it’s clear that Brexit is playing a part, while retirement and staffing levels are clear factors in the decision of UK nurses and midwives to leave the profession. The government has announced an increase in undergraduate training places and those responsible for workforce planning should continue to look at what can be done to better support the nursing profession at this difficult time.”