National Health Service: Nurses

Lord McColl of Dulwich Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd February 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord O'Shaughnessy]

In answer to the noble Lord’s first question, I think the figure is 22,227 EU nationals, so I hope that satisfies him on that point. Of course, they do a fantastic job, as do all NHS and care staff, and they deserve the highest praise. The noble Lord will also know that we are keen to reassure them of their status as part of the EU negotiations, but, of necessity, that has to be a reciprocal arrangement.

[Lord McColl of Dulwich (Con)]

Will the Minister support my attempt to find out what makes so many young nurses leave the profession?

[Lord O'Shaughnessy]

I thank my noble friend for that question. We should be looking at attrition rates in training and in the profession itself, and I would certainly be happy to work with him on that. I know he is particularly anxious about the turnover of nurses within certain training settings.