High staff turnover rates linked to patient deaths

The study analysed nearly a decade of data from 148 NHS hospitals in England

More than 4,000 people could be dying per year because of high turnover rates of nurses and doctors in NHS hospitals, according to new research from the University of Surrey.

The university said the research had shown a clear association between high turnover rates of nurses and doctors in NHS hospitals and a "troubling" rise in patient mortality rates.

The study analysed nearly a decade of data from 148 NHS hospitals in England using anonymised patient and worker records.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Patient safety is paramount, and this government is determined to ensure everyone is treated with the high quality and safe care that they deserve."

The researchers found that a one standard deviation increase in nurse turnover is associated with 35 additional deaths per 100,000 hospital admissions within 30 days.

For senior doctors, a similar increase in the turnover rates correlates with an additional 14 deaths per 100,000 admissions.

With an average of 8.2 million hospital admissions occurring annually, the turnover rates of hospital nurses and senior doctors could translate to nearly 335 additional deaths each month across the NHS.

'Focus on retention'

Dr Giuseppe Moscelli, lead researcher of the study at the University of Surrey, said: "Our findings underscore the vital role that stable staffing plays in ensuring patient safety.

"High turnover rates are not simply an administrative issue; they have real, life-or-death implications for patients. It's time for healthcare leaders to focus on retention strategies that prioritise workforce stability."

The Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson added: “NHS staff have been overworked for years, leaving them burnt out and demoralised, which is why we accepted the recommendations of the independent pay review bodies to award them with an above inflation pay rise.

"Together with NHS staff and the general public, we will recover and rebuild our health service through the 10 Year Health Plan, making sure the NHS is a great place to work."