Number of NHS nurses in England lower than previously thought

The number of qualified nurses, midwives and health visitors working across the NHS in England is lower than previously thought, according to new figures released from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).

The organisation, which provides national data for health and social care, has changed the way it collects information and as a result, recalculated statistics released in December last year. 

The new figures show there are 14,614 fewer nurses, midwives and health visitors than was previously reported.

Following a consultation, the methodology and analysis of the data have been revised to better reflect the way that NHS care is delivered, according to the HSCIC.

This has included asking trusts to reexamine the occupational codes they have used to classify some staff and calculating staff who have transferred to the independent sector and NHS support organisations.

The calculated data in December last year showed that, in September 2015, there were 317,023 nurses, midwives and health visitors working in NHS hospital and community health services. 

But the figure for the same date using the new methodology is 302,408.

RCN chief executive Janet Davies said: 'It is sobering to see that the number of nurses working in the NHS is even lower than previously thought. 

‘Without an increase in nursing staff the strain on services will continue. That’s why the government must commit to train and retain more nurses to ensure patients receive the care they deserve.’

Included in the changes were 6,063 nurses, midwives and health visitors who are now classified as working in the independent sector and 1,168 who are now classified as working for NHS support organisation and central bodies. 

The Department of Health has reiterated its belief that replacing the nursing student bursary with loans will create up to 10,000 more nurse training places.

Read the HSCIC figures here.