High NHS Staff Turnover Linked to Over 4,000 Patient Deaths Annually

A new study reveals the critical impact of workforce instability on patient safety in England's NHS hospitals.

Research from the University of Surrey and Cambridge University Hospitals shows that increased staff turnover in NHS hospitals correlates with higher patient mortality rates.
The study estimates over 4,000 additional deaths annually due to turnover among nurses and senior doctors, with emergency care particularly affected.
High turnover disrupts continuity of care, increases workloads for remaining staff, and diminishes teamwork and organizational memory within hospital trusts.
Temporary agency staff, often used to fill gaps, lack the department-specific expertise and relationships needed for optimal patient care.
Experts and healthcare leaders are calling for urgent measures to retain skilled NHS staff, improve working conditions, and address chronic workforce shortages.