Responding to an article in the Times today that Baroness Dido Harding has vowed to end the NHS’ reliance on overseas doctors nurses, BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul said:

"Non-UK doctors, nurses and healthcare workers have and continue to played a critical role in supporting the NHS, and their contribution to saving lives and caring for patients during the pandemic has been invaluable.

"With serious staffing shortages within the NHS, we must be doing all we can to attract and retain hardworking doctors and healthcare workers both from overseas and within the UK as that is what is needed to care for patients amid an enormous backlog of care.

"Quite simply, the NHS would not survive without the contribution of overseas healthcare workers and we should be celebrating their contribution and thanking them for the difference they have made to our healthcare service. Their contribution is every bit as integral as that of UK healthcare workers."

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.