Unions work with government to update NHS bursaries

The Department of Health (DoH) has announced that under the NHS bursary scheme maternity provision formalised at the start of the year, rent will be considered a deductible expense for all students from September 2007.

Organisations including Unison, BMA, National Union of Students, Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Midwives and Allied Health Professionals have worked with the government in order to update the bursary scheme.

In addition to assigning rent as a deductible expense from dependents and childcare allowances, changes include an increase in basic allowance and the introduction of a parent’s learning allowance.

Lord Hunt, minister of state for health, said: “I am pleased to announce changes to the NHS bursary scheme ensuring that it is as fair as possible for all students.

“The government continues to be committed to high quality training for our healthcare professionals and joint work with stakeholders to modernise the scheme to ensure it is fit for purpose.”

He expressed hope that measures to give financial support to students on maternity leave would encourage them to return to the NHS when they continue their studies.

Last week, the NHS announced that the amount of dental activity commissioned by the health service was continuing to rise.