RCN expresses concern about new NHS bursary arrangements

Published: 18 July 2011

Commenting on the new arrangements for funding nursing students, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:

“People who are training to be nurses are not in it for the money or an easy time, but they do need to know that they can access enough money to live.  We know that many students are dropping out already due to financial problems, and now that they have added debt we fear that the situation may only get worse. We are disappointed that after two years of negotiation, this settlement will not provide a solution for the problems we already have, let alone stave off the problems of the future. Many nursing students will still need to take second and even third jobs just to make ends meet.

“The combination of a small universal bursary, a small means tested bursary and a small entitlement for a loan means that some students will undoubtedly struggle to make ends meet. Many student nurses have families to support, or have come to nursing from a previous career.  The funding arrangements are a key element in keeping student nurses in training and ensuring that we have enough nurses to meet the demands of patients, and the right balance must be struck in the long term. The RCN will continue to fight to ensure not only that we support the student nurses we have but to keep a supply of nurses joining the profession.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. The DH published plans for NHS bursaries online this morning. You can see the details here – http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/Workforce/WorkingintheNHS/DH_128397

2.  For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

3. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations