title: Bringing Back the Lost.
abstract: In numerical terms, the nursing workforce renews itself every six years which results in a large population of nurses who are not practising within the NHS. Some leave for work in the 'private' sector but the majority are uninterested for one reason or another or leave to have children. The first group continue to contribute to the health care of the nation but the second and third arc a target for re-employment at some time. Somehow they must be found, have their interest in nursing maintained and be given opportunities to return to work under conditions which suit their circumstances.