‘Fail’ says RCM on Government plans to boost student midwifery numbers
By RCM on 18 August 2017 Student midwives Government RCM Midwife Shortage Midwifery and nursing degree Education Bursaries and Scholarships
New UCAS data has revealed that the number of students on midwifery and nursing degree courses is down 8 percent, that’s according to a report by the Health Service Journal (HSJ).
The Royal College of Midwives has warned of such a repercussion since the Government announced proposals to abolish the bursary in late 2015.
Responding to the HSJ report Jon Skewes, RCM’s Director for Policy, Employment Relations and Communications said; “These figures are a clear sign that the Government’s plans to boost training numbers are not based on reality.
“The confusion over clinical placement funding and midwifery students’ concerns over taking on tens of thousands of pounds worth of debt has meant we are seriously risking the future workforce supply of the NHS. The RCM warned the Government time and time again that their plans would deter potentially great midwives that our NHS so badly needs right now.
“This decision looks even more disastrous now at time when our maternity services are close to breaking point due to understaffing. In England alone we remain 3,500 midwives short. This coupled with younger midwives leaving, an ageing workforce and the loss of EU midwives post Brexit is a complete disaster for our maternity services.”
Related RCM Press Releases:
‘Government have created perfect storm says RCM on axing of student bursaries’
To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456, or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
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Notes to editors
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/.