The latest NMC Register’ data report shows a record number of nurses, midwives and nursing associates on the register.

The Register’ data report indicates around 8,000 more nurses, midwives and nursing associates that are now registered to work in the UK compared to 12 months ago.

The NMC registration data interestingly showed a 126 percent increase in the number of nurses and midwives from outside of the EU registering to work in the UK for the first time – rising from 2,720 last year to 6,157 this year.

However, despite the record number of registrants, the data also reveals that as many as a third of all nurses, midwives and nursing associates who left the profession in 18/19 due to “…too much pressure leading to stress and/or poor mental health as a top reason for leaving.”

Commenting on the report, Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Executive and Registrar at the NMC, said:

“Nurses, midwives and nursing associates make an enormous contribution to the health and wellbeing of millions of people each year so I’m delighted to see such an increase in those joining our register.

“However, we only have to look at the well documented concerns around high vacancy and turnover rates that exist right across health and social care to know there’s a long way to go before we have all the people we need to ensure the best and safest care for everyone.

“And while there has been a drop in the number of people leaving the register, our survey fires yet another warning shot – that the pressures nurses and midwives face are real and must be taken seriously if we are to properly attract, support and retain the workforce that we need now, and for the future.”

The NMC’s concerns about the metal health and wellbeing of nurses comes not long after data published by the Office of National Statistics that revealed more than 300 nurses in England and Wales took their own lives between 2011 and 2017 prompting the Royal College of Nursing to call on the Government to carry out an urgent inquiry into “hugely alarming” nurse suicide figures.