A growing reliance on international staff in the NHS has raised concerns about the sustainability of the UK’s healthcare workforce. According to NHS England, 20% of NHS staff were recruited from overseas as of September 2023, compared to 9% in 2009.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has criticized successive governments for failing to invest in homegrown medical professionals, warning that without proper workforce planning, the NHS will remain dependent on international recruits.
A government spokesperson responded by stating that the NHS has always benefited from international talent and remains committed to developing UK-trained professionals.
NHS Workforce Statistics Highlight Growing Dependence on Foreign Staff
Out of the 1.5 million NHS employees, 311,000 are non-British nationals. The NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan originally aimed to keep the proportion of international staff between 9% and 11%, but current figures far exceed that target.
Dr. Latifa Patel, a chief officer at the BMA, stressed the need for funding to train more UK doctors, stating:
“Without adequate investment, we will always have a reliance on overseas doctors.”
The Royal College of Nursing echoed these concerns, emphasizing that while international workers are vital, the UK must focus on recruiting and retaining homegrown medical staff.
Benefits of International NHS Staff
Despite concerns over sustainability, many experts highlight the value of overseas recruits in bringing diverse skills, experiences, and expertise to the NHS.
Dr. Patel acknowledged the benefits of an international workforce, stating:
“Each doctor brings unique experiences shaped by different training and healthcare environments, enriching the NHS.”
Benjamin Andoh, a dietitian from Ghana, moved to the UK for better career prospects and training opportunities. He now works at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, saying:
“The UK offers better options for specialist dietitians like me, and it has really helped my professional development.”
Retention Challenges and Regional Disparities
One of the biggest challenges facing the NHS is staff retention. While Nottingham University Hospitals Trust has seen high retention rates due to strong pastoral care for international recruits, other areas struggle to keep their workforce.
Across the Midlands, 17% of NHS staff are international recruits, but this varies by region and specialty. In London, nearly one in three NHS employees are non-British nationals. Certain specialties, such as occupational therapy and paediatric nursing, heavily depend on international staff due to domestic shortages.
Dr. Patel warned that the NHS’s retention crisis applies to both UK and international graduates, stating:
“You can train as many doctors as you want, but if they leave due to poor working conditions, the system will continue to struggle.”
Government Response to Workforce Challenges
The UK government has defended the NHS’s reliance on international staff, stating:
“The NHS has always drawn on global talent, and millions of patients are grateful for the skilled and compassionate care they receive from overseas staff.”
However, with workforce shortages persisting, healthcare leaders are urging greater investment in training, recruitment, and retention strategies to reduce dependence on foreign staff while maintaining the NHS’s global appeal.
