While overall nurse numbers have increased the figures, published by NHS Digital, show efforts to boost nursing numbers have yet to make up for a general decline in the workforce, especially in mental health.
The monthly figures show that, as of July 2018, there were 282,661 full-time equivalent nurses and health visitors working in NHS hospitals and community services. This is an increase of 0.5% on the previous year – nearly 1,300 more full-time roles.
