Student nurses and midwives rally against cuts to NHS bursary
Government proposals will see the bursary scrapped, leaving healthcare students to cover course fees and childcare costs.
Trainee midwives and nurses from across the North East are urging the government to rethink their plans to scrap an NHS bursary.
An annoucement by Chancellor George Osbourne last year revealed his plans to swap the NHS bursary for a student loan system, as used with most other courses in the UK from September 2017.
For the region's trainee nurses and midwives however, this would mean leaving with up to ÂŁ50,000 worth of debt, while working up to 37.5 hours a week with no wage.
The NHS bursary previously covered course fees and helped with living costs like childcare.
In an attempt to get the government to change their plans, one student midwife is planning a protest.
31-year-old Gemma Gordon decided to train as a midwife 3 years ago - despite having two sons and a mortage to pay for.
She told TFM without the bursary she couldn't have managed.
She said: "I work 37.5 hour weeks including 12.5 shifts, weekends and nightshifts providing care to women and their families.
"After completing shifts we are encouraged to reflect upon our practice, filling our knowledge gaps with reading, so we can constantly improve our care.
"Without the support of my family, friends and NHS bursary I would not be within arms reach (just 9 months) of my dream.
"I was born to be a midwife and without the NHS bursary I would have been unable to pursue the career I was born to do."
The protest against the scrapping of the NHS bursary will take place at Middlesbrough Town Hall at 12pm on Saturday 9th January.
You can find out more about the protest