In response to the latest Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) registration figures in Wales, to Professor Sandy Harding, Associate Director, RCN Wales, said:
"The RCN is pleased to see the record increase in the number of registered nursing and midwifery professionals, reaching a historic high of 40,494. This significant growth, including a 21.8 percent rise in new joiners over the past year, underscores the dedication and resilience of our healthcare community. We warmly welcome these new professionals and remain committed to supporting them as they provide essential, high-quality care to the people of Wales.
"Looking ahead, the Welsh government must focus on sustaining this positive trend. Crucially, it must also invest in the support, mentoring, and continuing education that will help retain new professionals – always with an eye on the workforce Wales needs ten or twenty years from now. NHS Wales must create the opportunities now to develop into the experts, specialists, consultants, and leaders of the future.
"Additionally, we aim to collaborate closely with educational institutions and international partners to ensure a steady influx of skilled professionals who can contribute to the diverse and dynamic health care environment in Wales."
Notes to Editors
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world with over half a million members in the UK, including around 30,500 members in Wales.
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