Tina Poxon, director of Health Studies and Nursing Services, says there is an international shortage of nurses and a campaign has been launched to attract potential nurses.

Fifteen nurses from India and 10 from the Philippines started work in Guernsey in the autumn, making a total of 25 overseas nurses.

But Ms Poxon said the number of local people wanting to take up a career in nursing seemed to be on the up.

She said: "The Board of Health has increased our student intakes from 10 every two years to 20 now.

"Our first cohort of 15 from three years ago have just all qualified and they are all going to work for us so we are hoping this year is a tide change and that will continue in the future."