In response to a written question from Ulster Unionist Party Health spokesperson, Alan Chambers MLA, Health Minister Robin Swann has confirmed that 218 nurses were recruited to the Health Service in Northern Ireland during the last financial year through the International Recruitment for Nursing scheme.

Mr Chambers said:

"The figures show that the campaign across all Health Trusts to recruit international nurses into the NHS in Northern Ireland has been very successful. The additional 218 nurses recruited in the last year will have been an invaluable help in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and their care and nursing skills will have contributed to saving many lives.

“These nurses come with a high degree of training and experience and quickly become part of our local extremely professional and competent teams on the wards of our hard-pressed hospitals. I am delighted that the temporary suspension on international recruitment was lifted and that another 188 recruits are due to take up post over the coming weeks.

“Not only are these overseas nurses a welcome addition to the nursing teams in our hospitals, they also add much to the diversity of our society. In a time when we have nursing shortages this international recruitment campaign has made a huge contribution to filling so many of these posts. It is encouraging that of the 711 nurses recruited over a five-year period 658 have remained in post.

“It is another opportunity to say that we value and appreciate the efforts of every nurse working in the NHS for their selfless and courageous efforts in combating this dreadful virus over the past year.”