Sharp decline in applicants threatens patient safety and NHS sustainability

A warning has been issued by union chief Pat Cullen, who stated that the nursing recruitment crisis could lead to the collapse of the NHS, especially given the organization’s existing challenges due to Tory cuts. Recent UCAS figures reveal a concerning trend, with only 31,100 applicants for UK nursing degree courses in 2024, down from 46,040 in 2021.

The situation is exacerbated by the significant debt that graduates accumulate, combined with poor pay and working conditions in hospitals. The Royal College of Nursing has highlighted the issue to Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, emphasizing the threat to NHS sustainability and patient safety.

Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting attributed the decline in applicants to the policies of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, accusing them of driving away future nurses from the NHS.

The RCN is advocating for tuition fee waivers for nursing degrees and a student loan forgiveness program for those remaining in the NHS. Without immediate action, the recruitment crisis could undermine the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and jeopardize the future of the healthcare system.