Developing world still losing staff to the NHS

19 May 05
The NHS is continuing to employ nurses from developing countries, despite government attempts to clamp down on such practice.

20 May 2005

The NHS is continuing to employ nurses from developing countries, despite government attempts to clamp down on such practice.

A joint report by the King's Fund and the Royal College of Nursing published this week found that NHS trusts were exploiting a loophole in the government's code of practice for recruiting from developing nations.

The survey found evidence of 'backdoor recruitment', when nurses reported they initially worked for a private sector employer before quickly moving on to the NHS.

Alastair Henderson, deputy director of NHS Employers, said agencies flouting the code would no longer be used by the NHS.

'We recognise the concerns of some developing countries where they have their own shortages and it is therefore vital that international recruitment is carried out on an ethical basis.'

Many new nurses registered in the UK over the past four years have come from overseas, but the survey found that many could soon be leaving.

The survey, of 380 international nurses in London, found that four out of ten were considering moving abroad. Many felt exploited and underpaid.

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