The number of nurses and midwives leaving the profession has risen by 51% in four years, with higher numbers leaving than joining for the first time on record.
The figures show that 20% more people left the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register than joined it in 2016/17.
Although there has been concern about a fall in EU registrants in the wake of the Brexit vote, the data actually shows that the departure of UK nurses is having the biggest impact. In 2016/17, 29,434 UK nurses and midwives left the register, up from 19,818 in 2012/13.
It comes amid concerns about a shortage of nursing staff. Some have blamed the shortages on the pay cap and workplace pressures. Saffron Cordery, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, said: “The NHS is severely stretched and we need to keep and value our staff. This is important for the quality and particularly the continuity of care. We need to follow through on the investment in training staff by consolidating and building on their skills, motivating them and giving them reasons to stay in the NHS.”
Share your experiences
If you’re a nurse, or midwife, tell us why you’re thinking of leaving – or have already left. We’ll use a selection of responses in our reporting. We’ll try to keep your information as secure as possible.
