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I recognise that there has been a great deal of concern raised by students and others in academic work and clinical practice. I am sorry for this confusion and have been working with partners to provide greater clarity for all.
Our student nursing colleagues have offered their skill and expertise in the #COVID19 response for the NHS and I am ever grateful for their support during this time. Your contribution has been invaluable. Thank you
The pandemic has been a challenging time & period of huge disruption to society. Uni courses for nurses, midwives and AHPs have been disrupted and many opted in to paid placements to support the NHS and continue their studies.
Many could not opt in to this arrangement and this was a hugely difficult choice to make and I appreciate that this has added to concerns about progression in the course & qualification as a Registered Nurse or Midwife in time. You should not feel guilty about this decision .
I completely understand the pressure and anxiety this is creating for many students . We have been working with the partners to get clarify the position for students, resolve issues and then get information to your universities.
Your University teams have worked very hard to bring courses online, support curriculum changes, amend deadlines and assignments to support learning outcomes. Alongside support in practice for those on placement.
These placements are normally unpaid but to recognise the special circumstances & as part of the response to Covid-19 these hours have been paid & will be until the end of summer. NHS England has been provided with the funding for student salaries as part of the response to Covid
I have engaged with many students , nurses, academics , during the last few months of the pandemic to listen to their views . As the pandemic recedes there is a clear need to regain normal academic support for students and return to normal supernumary placements
I recognise that this process will take time, require support, flexibility of Universities and NHS to make sure each student can progress along their education journey. Some will need more support than others due to the effect of the pandemic
