MORE than 14000 nurses have left South Africa during the past year, SABC television news reported on Sunday. The nurses cited poor working conditions, poor pay and understaffed hospitals as factors driving them away. They saids they receive better salaries, with clothing allowances, as well as accommodation in countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Chief director for human resources at the Health Department, Professor Vuyiswa Gumbi, downplayed the flight of nurses. She said nurses were leaving to gain knowledge and skills with the intention of coming back to serve the community. Gumbi added that nurses had a variety of benefits, ranging from a 13th cheque, to housing subsidies.