Analysis of changes in the national mental health nursing workforce in England, 2011–2021
Authors: Brimblecombe Neil 
Published: March 2023

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Nurses work in mental health services around the world, constituting the largest professional group.

Nurses have been identified as being potentially able to carry out a much wider range of functions than are typically allowed in practice, when provided with suitable training.

There are long‐term concerns regarding shortages of mental health nurses in England and many other countries.

Workforce data is rarely subject to analysis in peer‐reviewed journals.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

This paper provides a case study of the workforce patterns of a national mental health nurse (MHN) workforce overtime allowing comparison with other countries and specialities.

MHN numbers reduced from 2011 to 2017, then increased to near the 2011 level by 2021, not meeting ambitious national plans for increasing numbers.

The mental health nursing proportion of the total NHS nursing workforce decreased through this period.

Advanced practice roles and skills are widely, but unevenly, distributed and are provided by a small proportion of nurses.

The proportion of nurses working in community settings has increased to constitute more than half of all nurses for the first time.

The ratio of support workers to nurses increased in inpatient settings and will continue to change.

What are the implications for practice?

Historical challenges in recruiting MHNs suggest that future plans to expand the profession are overly optimistic.

To support the development of advanced practice roles and new skill sets, clearer research evidence of impact is required and clearer national guidance regarding best practice models.

Good workforce data are essential to inform good workforce planning.

Introduction

Data regarding changes in characteristics of the MHN workforce is commonly cited in governmental publications, but is rarely analysed in peer‐reviewed journals, despite ongoing concerns regarding high vacancy rates within mental health services.

Aim

The aim of the study was to characterize changes in the MHN workforce, implementation of new nursing roles/skills and alignment with national policy.

Method

Analysis of nationally published workforce data, peer‐reviewed publications and governmental policy/planning documents.

Results

Nurse numbers declined from 2011 to 2017, subsequently returning to near 2011 levels, but remaining below national targets. Nurses in community settings increased to constitute more than half of all nurses, whilst inpatient numbers declined, although more slowly than bed numbers. The ratio between nurses and support workers changed due to more support workers in inpatient settings. New advanced skills and roles for nurses have increased, but are unevenly distributed, constituting a small proportion of the total workforce.

Implications for Practice

This paper provides a case study against which comparisons may be made with the nursing workforce in other countries and specialities. Even clear policy commitment to nursing growth may not deliver planned changes in numbers and introducing new roles may have uneven impact, especially in the absence of a robust evidence base.