NHS bursary to be extended in Wales

By Julie Griffiths on 23 April 2018 Bursaries and Scholarships Welsh Government Wales

The Welsh Government has announced that it will maintain bursaries for those electing to study an eligible health related programme, including midwifery.

The extension is intended to be in place for those starting their training in September 2019.

Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister Carwyn Jones made the announcement on Saturday (21 April) at Welsh Labour’s conference.

RCM director for Wales Helen Rogers said: ‘This is very welcome news. It brings some stability, certainty and much needed financial support for those looking to train as midwives next year. This is vital if we are to attract the best entrants from across our society.

‘It is good news that Welsh Government is not following England where bursaries are being scrapped and numbers applying to be midwives have plummeted. It is vital for student midwives that the bursary is retained. Around one in four student midwives already carry debt from a first degree and would not be able to train as a midwife without the bursary. It would also affect those from lower income families and mature students from entering the profession.

‘We now need to see a much longer-term solution to this. We have had this and previous announcements which is great but this is stop start decision-making. We need to impress upon many people now that they can begin looking to midwifery as a career years into the future as many will have to make preparations such as undergoing further study in order to apply to train as a midwife. They and may others need longer term commitments so they in turn can plan for their future.

‘I now urge the Welsh Government to commit to make a commitment on this well into the future, ensuring that student midwives of the future see midwifery as an affordable career choice beyond 2018 to ensure the future supply of midwives for Wales.’