• The Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) has published their annual registration report 2021.
• NMC register rises to almost 732,000 – highest ever to date.
• Reasons for leaving the NMC register include high pressure and workplace culture

Responding to the NMC's annual registration report 2021, NHS Providers deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said:

"It is pleasing to see a growth in the numbers of nursing and midwifery staff rise to an all-time high, during what has been an exceptionally difficult year for the NHS.

"There are encouraging signs of progress, with close to 13,000 more nurses, midwives and nursing associates now registered in England compared to March last year. But we mustn't overlook the significant toll COVID-19 has had on the workforce, the huge number of vacancies still prevalent in the system, and the very real concern of trust leaders over a potential increase in staff retirements and departures following the pandemic.

It is positive to see that the number of nursing staff leaving the register has been at its lowest point in five years throughout the pandemic.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

"It is positive to see that the number of nursing staff leaving the register has been at its lowest point in five years throughout the pandemic, but we cannot take this for granted, particularly given the increased proportion of staff moving into retirement age.

"Trust leaders have been keen to prioritise the mental and physical health of their colleagues and have responded through the creation of well-being hubs, implementing innovative new ways of working, such as flexible deployment, and better communication across teams and organisations which have been hugely helpful in the delivery of care.

"But to truly safeguard the wellbeing of the NHS workforce, enough staff will need to be recruited and retained not only to address existing gaps, but to help build essential long-lasting flexibility into the system. This is vital to help ensure realistic workloads, more regular and reliable breaks and a better work life balance for staff. This work can only be undertaken in earnest with a commitment from the government to deliver a long-term, fully funded workforce strategy across the NHS."