Nurisng bursaries reinstated

The Minister has agreed to continue the payment for students entering training in 2012.

The Minister said: “I understand the financial pressures Nursing and Midwifery students are under in these difficult economic times, therefore after further examination of my budget pressures I am pleased to announce that I will be able to permit extension of the Book and Uniform Allowance to this year’s students.

“I reviewed this decision in light of evidence that indicated the financial difficulties students this year would face. However, the reduction in the non-means tested bursary and an increase in means tested allowances will still proceed.

“I remain committed to bringing quality nurses into the profession and my department invests around £35,000 in training each nurse.