This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
RCN criticises ‘reckless’ student NHS bursary cuts
The Royal College of Nursing has labelled the government’s plans to scrap bursaries for student NHS staff in England as ‘reckless’ and an ‘untested gamble’.
Government ministers have proposed to overhaul the current funding system from September 2017 so that those studying to be front-line health workers will be charged for their degrees, which it argues will create 10,000 more training places.
However, in a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, the RCN, backed by 20 health care trade groups, has warned the cuts could deter students from choosing to work for the NHS. The announcement came ahead of the RCN conference, currently taking place (19-23 June) and the British Medical Association meeting (20 June).
Currently, the bursary system names student nurses, midwife and other NHS staff to be eligible to £4,500 to £5,000, on top of a £1,000 grant during their training.
RCN general secretary Janet Davies said that the move was effectively ‘asking people to pay to go to work’.
However, a Department of Health (DoH) spokesman argued: "We need more home-grown nurses in the NHS because they do an amazing job caring for patients, but currently two-thirds of people who apply to become a nurse aren't accepted for training.
"Our plans mean up to 10,000 more training places by the end of this parliament, with student nurses getting around 25 per cent more financial support whilst they study."
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