I urge the Government to act now to support student nurses by implementing three key reforms: 1) Forgive loans and restore free nursing education; 2) Continued service recognition for NHS employees who stop work to complete a full-time nursing degree; 3) An apprentice wage for placement hours

Starting a demanding nursing career with debt discourages students. Recognising 'continued years of service' for NHS staff who stop working for full-time healthcare study prevents financial and professional disadvantages for seeking career progression. Unpaid placements and rising living costs force students into extra jobs, impacting their studies and fitness to practice. Those without apprenticeships/sponsorship face financial hardship. Reforming this will boost recruitment retention, and ensure a resilient, well-staffed workforce, ultimately strengthening the NHS.