News roundup

Published: 02 October 2012

RCN Students Committee – nominations open!

Nominations to stand for the RCN Students Committee are open now, and close on 31 October 2012. For more information, including full eligibility criteria, please visit the RCN elections web pages.

Willis Commission working on final report

The Willis Commission on Nursing Educations has now concluded the majority of its work and is concentrating on the production of its final report. The commission panel met in London on 11 September to finalise their recommendations. After working on subsequent drafts of the report, the final version is to be launched at an event hosted by Lord Willis at the House of Commons on 5 November. For the most up to date information, visit the Willis Commission website.

Bursaries

In England, visit the Department of Health website and search for “bursaries” for the latest editions of the NHS Bursary Scheme rules – there are two different sets of rules applicable to students depending on when their course first started. Since September, Wales has followed the English model, Northern Ireland has just consulted on its bursary, while Scotland has not changed its position. Don’t forget you can now access new RCN financial guidance Moneysmart. Please email gill.robertson@rcn.org.uk if you have any issues with your bursary.

Learning from the past

Students with an interest in the history of nursing are encouraged to attend the RCN 2012 History of Nursing Society Conference on 15 November in Hertfordshire. Delegates will have the chance to see how nursing history influences present-day care and its relevance to nursing students as the workforce of tomorrow. Visit the events web pages for more information.

South west pay cartel

A cartel of 20 NHS trusts in the south west region are attempting to introduce regional pay, a reduction in annual leave and an increase in working hours, and nursing staff could face possible dismissal if they don’t agree to the changes. The RCN considers this unacceptable. See the latest news on the RCN South West region web pages.

March for a future that works

You can show your support for RCN members in the south west, and for the future of the NHS, by joining a Trades Union Congress march – A Future That Works. RCN students are encouraged to take to the streets of London with other RCN members on 20 October to demonstrate against cuts to the NHS and to the public sector as a whole. To register your interest in taking part, visit the Frontline First web pages.