A number of nursing leaders and organisations have expressed the value of EU staff in the NHS.
Chief nursing officer for England, Jane Cummings said that the outcome of the referendum to leave the EU has understandably raised questions about what this will mean for people from the EU currently employed in Britain.
'I wanted to take this opportunity to confirm to all EU nurses, midwives and care assistants working in England’s health and care system that you are valued and hugely appreciated. You are an integral and vital part of the health and care family, and your skills and compassionate care directly benefit patients, families and communities,' she said.
Jackie Smith, the chief executive and registrar of the NMC, said that they will be working closely with the government and other partners to understand the implications of the result on their work. 'However, there will be no immediate impact on either the registration status of EU nurses already on our register, or on the NMC in terms of our role as the UK-wide regulator for nursing and midwifery,' she added.
CEO of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cathy Warwick wrote a blog on the (RCM) website stating that there will be no immediate change for midwives as negotiations will take over two years. Although the RCM was on the Remain side, Ms Warwick said it is time to look to the future. 'The RCM’s role is to continue to advocate for the interests of women and their families by speaking up on behalf of our members and ensuring that they are supported in their roles in education, research and practice to contribute to the provision of the highest quality of midwifery care,' she said.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said that it will continue to work closely with sister organisations across Europe. 'Once there is greater clarity, the RCN will take forward work to consider the impact of leaving for both nursing and the RCN to ensure that the nursing voice is heard in future negotiations to leave the EU.'
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt and Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, the medical director for the NHS also stepped out to reassure EU workers that that they were highly valued. Sir Bruce told the HSJ that European doctors and nurses must be made to feel welcome.
Mr Hunt also said that they are 'a crucial part of our NHS, as as a country we value you...10% of our doctors, and more than 20,000 NHS nurses, are from another EU country, and we simply could not do without their contribution,' he told the HSJ.
Mr Hunt also confirmed that he was 'seriously considering' running for the next Conservative party leader following David Cameron's resignation.