Recommendation 25

NHSE&I acknowledged that there are worrying signs of stress and burnout amongst NHS staff since the COVID-19 outbreak. It cited figures from a Nursing Times survey, 56 C&AG’s Report, para 2.6. Based on England-domiciled applicants, UK universities, and includes midwifery degrees. The withdrawal of the NHS bursary applied to students on courses in England. NHS bursary schemes continued in the other home nations after 2017, but eligibility was limited either to those already resident, or committing to work, in that country. Where possible, we examine English-domiciled applicants applying to English universities, as the group potentially most affected by the bursary withdrawal, but available data do not always separate out this group. 57 C&AG’s Report, para 2.9, figure 12. Based on UK-domiciled students, English universities, and excludes midwifery degrees. 58 Q 81 59 C&AG’s Report, figure 11. Based on England-domiciled applicants, UK universities, and includes midwifery degrees. 60 Q 43 61 University Colleges and Admissions Service (UCAS), 2020 cycle applicant figures – 30 June deadline, analysis of applicants for nursing and midwifery degrees domiciled in England and applying to English universities; C&AG’s Report, figure 11. 62 C&AG’s Report, para 2.6, 2.16 63 Qq 33, 42, 71–72 NHS nursing workforce 15 which reported 90% of nurses as experiencing higher rates of anxiety than before the COVID-19 pandemic.64 In a Royal College of Nursing survey, some 36% of respondents indicated that they are considering leaving nursing in the next year, compared with 28% from before the pandemic. When asked about why they are considering leaving, nurses reported that it was pay (64%), low staffing levels (45%), the way nursing staff had been treated during the pandemic (45%) and lack of management support (44%).65