Talking down nursing is dangerous – current recruitment levels prove it

It takes three years to train, so the current shortfall won’t be solved until 2026, writes Ian Hamilton

We have an ageing population with a range of health problems that will need nurses (EPA)

One of the few benefits to emerge from the Covid pandemic was a rise in training applications for nursing.

This has proved to be shortlived, with an 18 per cent drop in applicants in England; and a 24 per cent fall in Scotland over the last year. At a time when the need for healthcare professionals is growing, this reduction in those signing up to train as a nurse is really worrying.

It takes three years to train, so the current shortfall won’t be solved until 2026. Meanwhile, we have an ageing population with a range of health problems that will need nurses in greater numbers than ever if they are to receive the treatment and care they require.