Ministers to ease overseas regulations to boost dentist recruitment
Ministers are set to make changes to regulations for overseas recruitment to boost NHS staff numbers.
The former health minister, Steve Barclay, indicated that the government plans to make it easier for health professionals from overseas to travel to the UK to work for the NHS. The changes will facilitate faster recruitment for nurses, doctors and dentists.
Mr Barclay, who has been replaced by Therese Coffey in Prime Minister Liz Truss’ new Cabinet, suggested that modifying the rules will encourage skilled health workers from other countries to come to the UK, including those from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, India and the Philippines.
The move comes as the NHS faces a staffing crisis, which is contributing to lengthy waits for health and dental treatment. Figures revealed that the number of NHS vacancies has risen by over 25,000 this year to more than 132,000 posts. This equates to 10% of the total NHS workforce.
Among the most alarming statistics is the number of unfilled posts for nursing staff and dentists. There are currently 46,828 nursing positions available. The British Dental Association suggests that around 3,000 dentists have left the NHS since the start of the pandemic.
The government is hoping that easing regulations will encourage professionals from outside of the EU, as well as those from Europe to consider joining the NHS. The number of health workers from outside the EU has risen significantly since the 2016 Brexit vote but leaving the EU has made it more difficult to recruit some NHS workers, including nurses.
The announcement has been criticised by some bodies and opposition politicians who claim that the changes will act as a “stop-gap” rather than offering a long-term solution. There are also concerns that increasing overseas recruitment will exacerbate staff shortages in other countries.
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