RCM Scotland welcomes increase in student midwife bursary announced today

on 09 October 2018 RCM Scotland Bursaries and Scholarships Midwife Shortage

Today the First Minister of Scotland has announced an increase in bursaries for student midwives and nurses. Commenting, Mary Ross-Davie, Director for Scotland at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said: “This is great news and a forward thinking and important announcement. It is crucial that we attract people into midwifery, from all walks of life, to ensure that we not only replace those midwives that will retire, but also that we attract the very best people into the profession. This will go a long, long way to ensuring that this happens.  

“Let us not forget that in England student midwives and nurses do not get any bursary at all, which makes this increase for Scotland even more progressive. This also comes on the back of the best pay award for NHS midwives and nurses in the UK, another important step to ensuring we retain the midwives we have.

“This shows that the Scottish Government is listening to not only the Royal College of Midwives who have lobbied for this, but to other NHS professions as well. It also shows that this Government care about the NHS and it shows that they care about NHS staff and the people they care for.

“I would urge the Government in England to rethink their decision to take away bursaries in England.”

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk.

Note 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/.

ENDS