Dear FOI officer,
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding the number of registered nurses on long-term sick leave.
Please provide the following information, using the most recent data available, as well as the same information for the equivalent, or nearest, date in 2021 and 2016.
1. The total number (head count) of all registered nurses employed by the trust or health board at Agenda for Change Band 5 and above. [E.g. 02/02/2026 – 1,506; 02/02/2021 – 1,321; 02/02/2016 – 1,234]
2. Of these registered nurses (Band 5 and above), how many are/were absent from work on long-term sick leave, which is defined as sickness absence lasting more than 28 consecutive calendar days. [E.g. 02/02/2026 – 30; 02/02/2021 – 12; 02/02/2016 – 25]
If possible, please confirm the date at which each dataset was accurate.
Please return this information within the 20-working day deadline provided under statute – by my reckoning this is Friday 13 March.
Please let me know if you have any questions in order to process this request.

