More nurses were recruited from off-island than on-island last year.

Figures were released in Tynwald this week in response to a number of questions for written answer by speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson.

They showed that during 2019, 32 registered nurses were recruited into the Manx NHS from off-island compared with 30 from on-island.

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’The department’s intention has been to train more nurses on island however in the last two years we have not had enough students applying who meet the strict academic criteria as well achieving success in the values-based recruitment process.

’We are looking into alternative access routes to student nursing via University College Isle of Man.’

Fourteen adult nurses and six mental health nurses are trained in the island each year.

Mr Ashford said a number of steps were being taken to boost recruitment.

Vacancies will soon be advertised on the NHS Jobs website. And the adult social care division is looking to engage more with schools to attract people from a younger age.

There are 58.23 full-time equivalent vacancies in health services, 3.8 in the community, seven in mental health plus four being held for students on qualification, and two vacancies at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital.

Mr Ashford was unable to say how many nurses would be needed for the private patient unit when it re-opens at Noble’s Hospital.

’The ultimate number required is dependent upon the service delivery model adopted for private patients, and other service areas, and the department is currently in the process of determining what these will be.’

The number of registered nurses that left DHSC employment last year was 28, an increase of seven from 2018.

Out of the leavers who left in 2019 and completed an optional questionnaire, 92% were resigning and retiring under the age of 65 and 8% were retiring over the age 65.