James Buchan

Picture shows a female medic sitting at a desk and writing. The health secretary’s humorous defence of his pledge on nurse numbers takes the focus off the real point, says James Buchan.
Nursing Standard

With an ageing workforce, nurse numbers is no laughing matter

The health secretary’s defence of his ‘more nurses’ pledge takes the focus off the real point

nurse's hands hold up sign saying 'help wanted'
Nursing Standard

People can see there are nurse shortages – and they expect the government to act

Politicians need to listen to what the public is telling them about the NHS

International nurse recruitment
Nursing Standard

How will the Conservative election pledge of 50,000 more nurses by 2024/25 be realised?

The pledge may well be broken without increased reliance on international recruitment

illustration shows figures holding hands in a circle – most are in blue but some are picked out in red
Nursing Standard

Nursing shortage: the nettle politicians struggle to grasp

The NHS workforce crisis needs joined-up government action, not empty election promises

Picture shows a group of overseas nurses, with a young woman smiling in the foreground. The article says the international recruitment solution cannot be ignored.
Nursing Standard

The nurse shortage solution we cannot ignore

Reliance on recruitment of overseas nurses from outside the EU is already happening

There has been a slight increase in the number of nursing students Picture: iStock
Nursing Standard

We need more university places to boost the number of nurses

Despite a small increase in students joining nursing courses, we are not recruiting enough

Will the 'magic money tree' bear fruit for NHS nurses?
Nursing Standard

When will the magic money tree bear fruit for nurses?

The new government shows little sign of addressing nursing concerns such as shortstaffing

Stressed
Nursing Standard

Workforce: Lack of progress on nurse retention is frightening

Nurses leaving their jobs is a huge preventable cost

nurse appears stressed as needy hands surround her
Nursing Standard

NHS People Plan is refreshingly honest about the causes and extent of nurse burnout

The interim plan’s promise must now be backed up by funding and action

football hits the back of the net
Nursing Standard

If ministers fear Brexit’s impact on football, what do they think it’ll do to the NHS? 

Nursing – like top-flight football – can’t afford to see foreign talent turned away

Nursing Standard

Workforce: Legislation alone won’t solve this staffing crisis

Whether England follows Wales or Scotland’s lead, there are other factors to consider

Nursing Standard

Workforce: Nursing numbers – running hard but not keeping up

Rising staffing levels are failing to keep up with growth in patient admissions

Inequalilty
Nursing Standard

Workforce: We must close the persistent gender gap in opportunities and pay

Improving working conditions for women in nursing will strengthen the profession as a whole

training session
Nursing Standard

Workforce: If the NHS is serious about keeping its nurses, it should protect CPD budgets

Money for training is too often seen as a soft target when cuts are being made

Closing the gap
Nursing Standard

Workforce: What we need now is a quick fix for nurse shortages

As vacancies rise, NHS England can buy time with international recruitment, says James Buchan

Bank staff
Nursing Standard

Workforce: Will perma-flexi be the new bank and agency nursing?

Flexible employment contracts are on the rise elsewhere, but not much has changed in the NHS

Nursing Standard

Argument against mandatory staffing level rings hollow

The argument that mandatory nurse staffing levels would create inflexibility rings hollow

Nursing Standard

Workforce: Nursing associate role will thrive

The new position is coolly regarded by some, but workforce demands mean its success is likely

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