Unions and professional organisations* representing healthcare students are today (7 August) calling for a simplified financial system to encourage more people into a career in healthcare and better support those currently training.
In a new jointly published report, Student Experience – the case for change, the unions highlight the many challenges facing health students today, and provide a blueprint for ensuring that those studying are kept out of poverty.
Further financial recommendations include standardising funding for students on diploma and degree courses, and looking at the issue of student loans as a whole.
The unions and professional organisations also recognise that many students have to rely on their families to provide childcare. Providing a £2,000 parental allowance grant towards the cost of childcare would provide a greater pool of childcare options.
The unions believe that overhaul is long overdue. Addressing the concerns in the report and implementing its recommendations will encourage high quality students into healthcare. This is in turn means high quality care for patients.
Notes
* The eight unions are UNISON, the British Medical Association (BMA), the
British Dental Association (BDA), British Association of Occupational
Therapists (BAOT), National Union of Students (NUS), Royal College of
Midwives (RCM), Royal College of Nursing (RCN), and The Society of
Radiographers (SOR).
