A SHORTAGE

of nurses, it was estimated this week, is costing the NHS £2.4 billion a year. That’s money that could be spent on patient care and treatments, rather than being poured down the drain paying exorbitant agency fees. But, for once, the solution is easy.

First, Brexit provides a wonderful opportunity to recruit nurses from outside the European Union. Once we have control of our borders again, we can decide who to allow into the country. And top of my list would be nurses.

Get them to commit to a minimum of five years’ work in the NHS in exchange for being allowed in.

Second, it’s important we nurture our own, home-grown nurses. Last year, fees were introduced for nursing degrees and grants were scrapped. This has seen a significant drop in applications.

Of course, no one becomes a nurse because of money, but it’s criminal that nursing students are graduating with vast debts. We need to send a clear message to those who want to train to be nurses that we value their vocation.

Scrap the fees and reinstate grants. Now.