Commenting on the government’s announcement of new upfront financial support for healthcare students undertaking clinical placements, Vanessa Wilson, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said:
“Today’s announcement is a welcome step that recognises a simple reality: healthcare students are not typical undergraduates. They undertake intensive placements, often with limited financial support, and can face significant travel and accommodation costs as part of their training. Providing upfront support will help remove a real barrier to learning and make it easier for students to access valuable placement opportunities, including in rural and coastal communities.
“This measure is an important contribution to building the homegrown NHS workforce the country needs. What should follow is a broader package to reinforce the pipeline of healthcare workers. This should include expanding placement capacity, and ensuring universities are recognised as strategic partners in workforce planning.”
ENDS
