What is Brexit's impact on the National Health Service (NHS) and specifically the nursing workforce?

Brexit has created significant challenges for the NHS, particularly affecting the nursing workforce. The uncertainty surrounding the status of EU nurses has led to a decline in recruitment, creating shortages and impacting patient care. The NHS, traditionally reliant on EU nurses, now faces workforce gaps, increased pressure on existing staff, and potential service curtailment. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has voiced its concerns about the ambiguity surrounding the status of EU healthcare staff.

Why has the number of EU nurses joining the NHS decreased after the Brexit referendum?

The decline in EU nurse recruitment is attributed to several factors. Brexit uncertainty, due to a lack of clarity regarding the future rights of EU citizens in the UK, makes potential recruits hesitant. A negative perception of immigrants in some areas also makes the UK less attractive. Additionally, improved opportunities elsewhere, such as attractive salaries in their home countries or other EU nations experiencing their own nursing shortages, play a role in the decline. The article highlights that these combined factors have significantly reduced the influx of EU nurses into the NHS workforce.

What are the potential consequences of the nursing shortage in the UK due to Brexit?

The nursing shortage, exacerbated by Brexit, poses several threats to the healthcare system and patient care. With fewer nurses available, hospitals struggle to maintain adequate staffing levels, which can lead to increased pressure on existing staff, contributing to burnout and decreased morale. This can result in hospitals being forced to close beds or curtail services, ultimately impacting patients' access to healthcare. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has raised concerns regarding the quality of care under these circumstances.

What specific numbers illustrate the decline in EU nurse recruitment within the NHS?

The figures from NHS Digital and the article reveal a stark decline in EU nurse recruitment. In 2015-16, one in five nurses recruited in England came from the EU. However, this trend reversed post-Brexit. While 33,000 nurses joined hospitals in the past year, more than 6,000 were from the EU. The article specifies the number of nurses from Spain (1,750), Italy (1,300), and Portugal (almost 1,000). At the same time, the proportion of British nurses joining hospitals dropped. The data paints a clear picture of reduced EU nurse intake.

What strategies are being proposed to address the nursing shortage and secure the future of the nursing workforce?

Addressing the nursing shortage requires a multi-pronged approach. The government needs to provide clarity on the future rights of EU citizens to reduce uncertainty and make the UK a more welcoming destination. This involves offering financial incentives, streamlining the visa application process, and promoting the UK as diverse and inclusive. Investing in domestic nurse training by increasing the number of training places and providing financial support to students is also critical. These measures aim to reduce reliance on overseas recruitment and strengthen the nursing workforce in the long term.

Fractured British flag transforming into a nurse's uniform

Brexit's Brain Drain: How the UK Nursing Shortage Impacts Healthcare

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 5 min read.

"Ambiguity Over Future of EU Staff Leaves UK Healthcare System Vulnerable"

The National Health Service (NHS) is facing unprecedented challenges. The decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, commonly known as Brexit, has cast a long shadow over various sectors, with healthcare arguably bearing the brunt of the impact. One of the most pressing concerns is the future of the healthcare workforce, particularly the nursing staff. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has voiced serious concerns about the ambiguity surrounding the status of EU nurses and its potential to exacerbate existing shortages.

For decades, the NHS has relied on the contributions of nurses from EU countries, whose expertise and dedication have been vital to maintaining the quality of care. However, in recent years, the number of EU nurses joining the NHS has seen a significant decline, raising concerns about the sustainability of the workforce. The RCN has labeled the government's lack of clarity on the future of EU healthcare staff as "completely unfair," highlighting the urgent need for a coherent and sustainable workforce strategy.

This article delves into the multifaceted impact of Brexit on the UK's nursing workforce. We examine the declining numbers of EU nurses, the factors driving this trend, and the potential consequences for patient care and the healthcare system as a whole. Furthermore, we explore the strategies being proposed to address the nursing shortage and ensure the continued provision of high-quality healthcare services in the UK.

The Numbers Don't Lie: Declining EU Nurse Recruitment

Fractured British flag transforming into a nurse's uniform

The figures paint a stark picture. According to NHS Digital, the proportion of nurses recruited in England from the EU has increased significantly in recent years. In 2015-16, one in five nurses came from the EU, up from one in 14 in 2011-12. However, this positive trend has reversed following the Brexit referendum. The number of EU nurses joining NHS hospitals has since plummeted, leaving a significant gap in the workforce.

Of the 33,000 nurses recorded as joining hospitals in the past year, more than 6,000 were from elsewhere in the EU: 1,750 were Spanish, 1,300 Italian and almost 1,000 were Portuguese. Over the same period, the proportion of nurses joining hospitals who were British dropped from roughly 78% to 70%. A contributing factor of the overseas nurses revealed numbers of nurses from outside the European Economic Area have fallen – from 15,000 a year in the early 2000s to just 665 in 2014-15.

Brexit Uncertainty: The lack of clarity surrounding the future rights of EU citizens in the UK has created uncertainty among potential recruits. Many nurses are hesitant to move to the UK without assurances about their long-term status and access to benefits.
Negative Perception: The Brexit campaign and its aftermath have fostered a perception of hostility towards immigrants in some quarters. This has made the UK less attractive to EU nurses seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Improved Opportunities Elsewhere: Many EU countries are experiencing their own nursing shortages and are actively recruiting nurses. With attractive salaries and benefits packages on offer, some EU nurses are choosing to remain in their home countries or seek employment elsewhere.

The decline in EU nurse recruitment has serious implications for the NHS. With fewer nurses available to fill vacancies, hospitals are struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels. This puts increased pressure on existing staff, leading to burnout and decreased morale. In some cases, hospitals have been forced to close beds or curtail services due to staffing shortages, impacting access to care for patients.

A Call for Action: Securing the Future of the Nursing Workforce

Addressing the nursing shortage requires a multi-pronged approach. The government must provide clarity on the future rights of EU citizens and take steps to make the UK a more welcoming destination for overseas nurses. This could include offering financial incentives, streamlining the visa application process, and promoting the UK as a diverse and inclusive place to live and work. Investing in domestic nurse training is also crucial. By increasing the number of nurse training places and providing financial support to students, the UK can reduce its reliance on overseas recruitment.