[Demand for and supply of nurses in South Africa]

The threatening crisis in the nursing profession, especially in the public sector, led to a national investigation that was directed to the HMAC. A national nursing manpower analysis was undertaken by private consultants by means of a descriptive survey. A registered nurse/population ratio of 1:416 was recommended by the South African Nursing Council and accepted by the HMAC. The demand presently exceeds the supply and an actual annual student output of 4000 is required. It was also emphasized that only 65% of the college capacities are being utilised and a potential supply of matriculants amounts to 3300 p.a. Important recommendations include active marketing of the profession, phasing in of a registered nurse/population ratio of 1:416, as well as an appropriate increase of posts for students, tutors and clinical nurses.