RCM welcomes Wales student midwife finance announcement

By RCM on 09 December 2016 Wales RCM Wales Bursaries and Scholarships

Today the Welsh Government has announced that it will maintain bursaries for those electing to study an eligible health related programme, including midwifery. This arrangement is intended to be in place for the 2017/18 cohort only,  while a longer term support package is developed.

Commenting, Helen Rogers, Royal College of Midwives Director for Wales, said: “This is very welcome news that will bring stability, certainty and much needed financial support for those looking to train as midwives next year.

“I applaud the Welsh Government for not going down the same road as England on this issue, where bursaries are being scrapped. It is vital for student midwives that the bursary is retained. Around 1 in 4 student midwives already carry debt from a first degree and would not be able to train as a midwife without the bursary. It would also affect those from lower income families and nature students from entering the profession.

“I now urge the Welsh Government to commit to ensuring that student midwives of the future see midwifery as an affordable career choice beyond 2017/18 to ensure the future supply of midwives for Wales.”

To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

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The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.