"Bliss is delighted that the Government has changed its stance and will now exclude doctors and nurses from the visa-cap, which sets a limit for all non-EU skilled workers at 20,700 people a year.
“This is welcome news because the current volume of medical vacancies up and down the country is putting neonatal services in increased jeopardy. In recent weeks Bliss has heard from concerned clinicians that rota gaps are resulting in units being severely understaffed. We have also heard that some vital neonatal transport services have been unable to operate 24 hours a day.
“While this change in policy should help ease some of the most acute staffing challenges in the short to medium term, Bliss research shows that two thirds of neonatal units do not have enough doctors to meet quality standards. A longer term and joined-up national approach to workforce planning across all neonatal staffing groups cannot be put off any longer. ’’
Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive of Bliss
Read more about today's announcement on the Government's website.
For media enquiries please contact the Bliss media office on: 020 7378 5741 or 07725 747 826