A recent study published in The BMJ has found a troubling link between high turnover rates of doctors and nurses in NHS hospitals and increased patient mortality.

The research analyzed data from a substantial sample, including 236,000 nurses, 41,800 senior doctors, and 8.1 million patients across 148 NHS acute hospital trusts in England, covering the period from April 2010 to March 2019.

The study concluded that high turnover rates among healthcare staff pose significant risks to patient safety, making staff retention a critical priority for improving care quality.

Findings indicate that for every 20 nurses who leave, there are approximately 35 additional deaths per 100,000 admissions, leading to an estimated 239 extra deaths monthly across the trusts.

Similarly, the study found that for every seven senior doctors who depart, there are about 14 more deaths per 100,000 admissions, resulting in an additional 96 deaths each month.

Interestingly, no significant association was found between turnover rates and deaths among non-emergency care patients, highlighting the greater risk associated with emergency admissions.

While the study's observational nature means that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn, the results are consistent across various analyses.

The researchers emphasized the importance of continuity of care and noted the challenges faced by managers and policymakers in retaining healthcare staff.

To combat high turnover rates, investment in onboarding processes, professional development, and supportive leadership is crucial.

The authors suggest that improving pay, staff engagement, and working conditions could significantly help in reducing turnover rates.

Furthermore, the NHS long-term workforce plan recognizes the necessity of retaining healthcare workers for effective patient care.

Ultimately, the research underscores that reducing staff turnover could enhance patient care and overall hospital quality.