The NMC register of nurses, midwives and nursing associates has grown to a record level of 771,445 – an increase of 13,144 (1.7 percent) between April and September.

According to data published by the NMC, the latest data from its register shows:

  • The NMC register of nurses, midwives and nursing associates has grown to a record level of 771,445 – an increase of 13,144 (1.7 percent) between April and September.
  • 11,496 internationally educated professionals joined the register in the six months to September, almost matching 12,102 UK trained joiners. Most were educated in India, the Philippines and Nigeria.
  • With more international professionals joining the register, and with UK joiners becoming more ethnically diverse, the profile of the NMC register is changing. The NMC is calling on employers to deliver tailored support to integrate new professionals into their teams.
  • The NMC is also urging employers and agencies in the NHS and the private sector to recruit ethically, in line with DHSC’s code of practice.

Andrea Sutcliffe, NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, said:

“At a time of great pressure across health and social care in the UK, we welcome the growth of our register. As we face a very busy and challenging winter this may be a particularly anxious time for almost 24,000 professionals who have joined the register since April, nearly half of whom have come from outside the UK.

“That’s why it’s vital for the increasingly diverse professionals joining the nursing and midwifery workforce to be welcomed into an inclusive culture that supports them to thrive. It’s so important for employers to deliver tailored programmes to introduce new nurses, midwives and nursing associates into their teams, and help them grow in confidence.  These ‘preceptorship’ programmes are essential for new professionals to flourish so they can provide the safe, kind, effective care the public need.

“Going forward, it’s also essential for all employers and agencies in health and social care to follow the Department of Health and Social Care’s code of practice on ethical recruitment. While active recruitment isn’t permitted from ‘red list’ countries, there are two, Nigeria and Ghana, in the ten most common countries of training for international professionals joining our register.*

“All international joiners make a welcome and valuable contribution to our nation’s health and wellbeing, and those who come must be fully supported. But it’s essential the UK doesn’t exacerbate workforce shortages and put health systems in other countries at further risk in seeking to address rising demand for health and care services here.”

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