New nurse numbers collapsing
The number of people studying to become nurses has collapsed in every region in England, putting the government’s plan to rescue the NHS at risk, new analysis by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has revealed. Latest regional data from the university admissions service UCAS shows the number of people accepted onto nursing courses fell by up to 40% in parts of England between 2020 and 2023, as the College renews its call for a new plan and better financial incentives.