Scotlands First Minister has announced plans to increase the bursary for healthcare students.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, has announced the country will be increasing the bursary for students entering undergraduate nursing and midwifery courses.
The current healthcare bursary in Scotland is £6,578 per year under these new proposals this will rise to £10,000 per year for all students from 2020
In England, the NHS student bursary was scrapped in 2016 – students now leave university with upwards of £60,000 in student debt.
Come to Scotland.
In a speech at the SNP annual conference Ms. Sturgeon said; “In England, the number of trainee nurses has fallen dramatically as a result of the decision to scrap the student nurse bursary. In Scotland, we retained the bursary, but recruitment is a big challenge. And it will get even bigger as Brexit bites.
“So we need to attract more people into nursing. That is why I am announcing today a three stage plan to increase the support we provide. From next year, the payment for all student nurses – care experienced or not – will rise to £8,100 a year. And then from the year after, every student nurse will get a bursary of £10,000 a year.”
Adding: “We know the value of our nurses. We know the value of our NHS. And to anyone from across the UK attracted to a career in nursing, our message is simple. Come to Scotland.”
Valuing those who choose to nurse.
Theresa Fyffe, director of RCN Scotland, said: “The RCN has been fighting for fairer funding for student nurses and midwives. The Scottish Government has listened to those calls and has responded with a bursary which will truly support students while they study.
“The increased bursary is an important step in valuing those who choose to nurse and in making nursing an attractive career.
“The RCN will continue to work with the Scottish Government on staffing challenges so that nurses feel valued and listened to throughout their career. Today’s announcement is a clear and welcome indication from the Scottish Government that they are listening to the needs of nursing.”