Rise in NMC registrations ‘heartening and humbling’

Commenting on the publication of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s annual registration data report, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: 

“To see the number of NMC registrations continuing to grow and the numbers on the register at a record high, even in the face of such an incredibly difficult year, is both heartening and humbling. While this increase is welcome, it should, however, be set against a backdrop of more than 36,000 nurse vacancies. 
 
“The growth in registrations has also slowed and we know COVID-19 continues to have a real impact, with many of those leaving the profession citing increased pressure. The NHS is at a critical juncture and cannot afford to lose any more nurses, midwives, or nursing associates, all of whom are at the very heart of the NHS, from primary care to acute care to mental health.
 
“Our members across the NHS are focused on helping their staff look after their physical and mental wellbeing so that they can remain in work and continue to support our communities. This is more important than ever as the combination of the pandemic and the UK’s exit from the EU have led to a marked drop in staff coming from abroad to work in the health service this year. This also means members need reassurance from the government that there is a long term plan, backed by investment, to address the profound workforce shortages that have hindered the NHS for far too long, especially in nursing and midwifery.”