Migrants crackdown may spark NHS crisis

SHABANA Mahmood's migrant crackdown could plunge the NHS into crisis and leave Labour's promise to slash waiting times in tatters, health chiefs warn.

- By MICHAEL KNOWLES Home Affairs Editor

NHS Employers wants preferential treatment for foreign doctors, nurses, hospital staff and care workers under Home Office settlement reforms.

Most migrants face a 10-year wait to apply for permanent residence, double the current five years.

But NHS Employers, which helps develop the workforce, has demanded a “fast-tracked settlement route” for health personnel, warning of spiralling costs and staff shortages.

The plea is a fresh headache for Ms Mahmood, who also faces opposition from dozens of Labour MPs and trade union barons.

The organisation told MPs: “NHS Employers supports a fast-tracked settlement route of under 10 years for those sponsored by NHS or care organisations. Extending settlement from five to 10 years would place a substantial financial burden on the NHS.