The consultation forms part of the NHS Student Support Review which was announced in June 2008 as part of Lord Darzi’s NHS Next Stage Review.
It aimed to gather views from employers, patients, students and other stakeholders on the proposed future financial support arrangements for students undertaking NHS-funded pre-registration courses.
The NHS Bursary Scheme currently has different funding rules for students on diploma and degree courses. As the nursing profession moves to an all-degree profession fewer students will require support under the rules applicable to diplomas, while many more will require support under the rules applicable to degrees. This consultation was a chance to review the current system to ensure that it adequately supports students throughout their studies.
NHS Employers is very supportive of the review, in line with moving nursing to an all-degree profession. Following consultation with employers it was agreed to support the option which will provide a means tested bursary and a non-means tested loan to all students. Employers can expect a final recommendation to be announced early in 2010 and the earliest expected change for students undertaking training will be from September 2011.
See a summary of our response to the Department of Health.
Further information is available on our NHS Student Support Review page.