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Cuts to nursing education at one of London’s largest providers put nursing in the capital at risk
RCN London backs striking nurse academics amid nursing education cuts at London South Bank University
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On Monday 22 June, RCN members working at London South Bank University (LSBU) stood alongside colleagues from the University and College Union (UCU) who were on strike in protest against cuts to nursing higher education.
LSBU is one of London’s largest providers of nurse education. The university is implementing a series of cost-cutting measures, including reducing senior nursing academic posts, resulting in staff redundancies and changes to employment terms and conditions.
RCN members working in the university’s School of Nursing and Midwifery have criticised the approach taken by LSBU, citing poor staff engagement over the plans and warning that the changes will have a damaging impact on academic nurse educators, student nurses, and patient safety in the capital.
RCN members reported that that the consultation was rushed and inconsistent, and the incoming changes have left many staff members facing uncertainty about their jobs, with further concerns about worsening employment terms and conditions.
In addition, the changes will also result in a significant loss of senior nursing expertise at LSBU. Nurse academics provide crucial hands-on teaching to nursing students, helping to equip them with the vital skills they need to become safety-critical professionals.
The loss of senior nursing academics also raises wider concerns about the future of nursing leadership and professional influence in academia. Nurse educators contribute not only to teaching, but also to workforce development, policy engagement, research, and the preparation of future clinical and educational leaders.
Speaking at a rally to coincide with the industrial action, RCN London Director Lisa Elliott said:
“Little by little, nursing higher education is being eroded. It runs contrary to building the highly skilled, safety-critical workforce we need now and in the future.
“The RCN believes that any cuts to nursing higher education are not only bad for the profession, they are bad for patients. Tinkering around the edges, stealth funding cuts, or simply rearranging the deck chairs - none of this is good for the future of nursing in London.
Every nursing student deserves a strong start to their journey into the profession. This includes access to top-quality universities, supported nurse educators, and teaching delivered to high and relevant standards.
The changes will come into effect in the new academic year.
The RCN is calling on the university to reconsider its decision and engage in constructive discussions with staff and their respective unions before irreversible harm is done.
Further strike action is planned by UCU for Thursday 25 June.
LSBU is one of London’s largest providers of nurse education. The university is implementing a series of cost-cutting measures, including reducing senior nursing academic posts, resulting in staff redundancies and changes to employment terms and conditions.
RCN members working in the university’s School of Nursing and Midwifery have criticised the approach taken by LSBU, citing poor staff engagement over the plans and warning that the changes will have a damaging impact on academic nurse educators, student nurses, and patient safety in the capital.
RCN members reported that that the consultation was rushed and inconsistent, and the incoming changes have left many staff members facing uncertainty about their jobs, with further concerns about worsening employment terms and conditions.
In addition, the changes will also result in a significant loss of senior nursing expertise at LSBU. Nurse academics provide crucial hands-on teaching to nursing students, helping to equip them with the vital skills they need to become safety-critical professionals.
The loss of senior nursing academics also raises wider concerns about the future of nursing leadership and professional influence in academia. Nurse educators contribute not only to teaching, but also to workforce development, policy engagement, research, and the preparation of future clinical and educational leaders.
Speaking at a rally to coincide with the industrial action, RCN London Director Lisa Elliott said:
“Little by little, nursing higher education is being eroded. It runs contrary to building the highly skilled, safety-critical workforce we need now and in the future.
“The RCN believes that any cuts to nursing higher education are not only bad for the profession, they are bad for patients. Tinkering around the edges, stealth funding cuts, or simply rearranging the deck chairs - none of this is good for the future of nursing in London.
Every nursing student deserves a strong start to their journey into the profession. This includes access to top-quality universities, supported nurse educators, and teaching delivered to high and relevant standards.
The changes will come into effect in the new academic year.
The RCN is calling on the university to reconsider its decision and engage in constructive discussions with staff and their respective unions before irreversible harm is done.
Further strike action is planned by UCU for Thursday 25 June.
