Figures we have compiled through Freedom of Information requests have shown record numbers of EU nurses are leaving the NHS (see Guardian story). 2,700 EU nurses left the health service in 2016, compared to 1,600 EU nurses in 2014 – a 68% increase.
The localised figures broken down by NHS Trust show the total number of NHS staff from other EU countries who have left in each of the last three years.
The information is also broken down by EU doctors, EU nurses and other staff members from the EU (e.g. admin).
Please note some Trusts are missing as they did not respond to our request for information.
See below a template press release you can use locally if the number of either EU NHS staff or EU nurses leaving increased in 2016 compared to previous years (see trusts and figures highlighted in bold).
TEMPLATE PRESS RELEASE
(INSERT NUMBER) EU staff/nurses in AREA quit NHS since Brexit vote
The Liberal Democrats have called for an “NHS Passport” to secure the rights of EU nationals working in the NHS, as figures have revealed a sharp rise in staff from the EU in (AREA) quitting the health service.
(INSERT FIGURE) EU staff/nurses left the NHS in 2016, a (X%) increase compared to two years ago.
Separate figures from the Royal College of Nursing have shown the number of EU nationals registering as nurses in England has dropped by 92%, while there are 24,000 nurse jobs unfilled in the NHS.
The Liberal Democrats have called for an immediate guaranteed right to live and work in the UK for all EU citizens working in NHS and care services, in a motion passed by members at the Party’s Spring Conference this week.
Liberal Democrat spokesperson XXX commented:
“These figures show you can’t have a hard Brexit and a strong NHS.
“The Conservative Government’s heartless and divisive approach to Brexit risks driving away the hard-working nurses and doctors on which our local hospitals rely.
“At the same time, the Government’s reckless decision to abolish bursaries for student nurses has led to a huge fall in the number of people studying to become nurses.
“This is creating a perfect storm for local NHS services that are already struggling to recruit the staff they need.
“Theresa May must do the decent thing and secure for EU nationals in [AREA] to stay, with an immediate guarantee for those working in health and social care.”
ENDS