Menu
10/08/2004
NHS recruitment drive targets the 'under-privileged'
A new drive to recruit more NHS doctors, nurses and allied health professionals from underprivileged and under-represented backgrounds has been launched today.
Nine nationwide schemes, which have been given £9 million funding by the health department and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) over five years, will look at ways of encouraging a wider range of young people to train in the healthcare professions.
Asian ethnic groups are under-represented in applicants to nursing courses, and there is evidence that black and ethnic minority applicants have difficulty in securing course places, the government said.
UCAS research has also shown that three-quarters of the medical school population come from the highest three social classes – although just 38% of the working age population is from this background.
Health minister John Hutton said today that the department would meet the full cost of variable tuition fees for medical and dental students in years 5 and 6 of the standard undergraduate courses, and years 2, 3 and 4 of fast-track courses. This brings them in line with nurses and other health professionals, he said.
"It is vital that the NHS not only improves the health of all sections of the community, but also accurately reflects that community in the people it employs. We need more doctors, nurses and AHPs and we need them from all walks of life. It is unacceptable that some people are effectively held back from these professions because of their financial, social or cultural background," Mr Hutton added.
John Rushforth, HEFCE's Director of Widening Participation, said it was "essential" that the opportunity to enter higher education for the healthcare professions was "open to anyone who has the potential to succeed, regardless of their background".
"I am particularly pleased that we have been able to work so effectively with the Department of Health, integrating their needs into an existing scheme thereby avoiding the need for additional bureaucratic burden on the institutions involved," he said.
(gmcg)
Nine nationwide schemes, which have been given £9 million funding by the health department and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) over five years, will look at ways of encouraging a wider range of young people to train in the healthcare professions.
Asian ethnic groups are under-represented in applicants to nursing courses, and there is evidence that black and ethnic minority applicants have difficulty in securing course places, the government said.
UCAS research has also shown that three-quarters of the medical school population come from the highest three social classes – although just 38% of the working age population is from this background.
Health minister John Hutton said today that the department would meet the full cost of variable tuition fees for medical and dental students in years 5 and 6 of the standard undergraduate courses, and years 2, 3 and 4 of fast-track courses. This brings them in line with nurses and other health professionals, he said.
"It is vital that the NHS not only improves the health of all sections of the community, but also accurately reflects that community in the people it employs. We need more doctors, nurses and AHPs and we need them from all walks of life. It is unacceptable that some people are effectively held back from these professions because of their financial, social or cultural background," Mr Hutton added.
John Rushforth, HEFCE's Director of Widening Participation, said it was "essential" that the opportunity to enter higher education for the healthcare professions was "open to anyone who has the potential to succeed, regardless of their background".
"I am particularly pleased that we have been able to work so effectively with the Department of Health, integrating their needs into an existing scheme thereby avoiding the need for additional bureaucratic burden on the institutions involved," he said.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2005
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
22 October 2003
Schemes set to widen NHS recruitment
The Department of Health, working with the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Learning and Skills Council, has given £3 million to fund pilot schemes to help people from underprivileged backgrounds become doctors and consultants.
Schemes set to widen NHS recruitment
The Department of Health, working with the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Learning and Skills Council, has given £3 million to fund pilot schemes to help people from underprivileged backgrounds become doctors and consultants.
10 September 2008
Twice As Many Mentally Ill People End Up In Police Custody
Twice as many people are detained in unsuitable police custody for assessment under the Mental Health Act as those taken by the police to hospital for this purpose, according to research published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today.
Twice As Many Mentally Ill People End Up In Police Custody
Twice as many people are detained in unsuitable police custody for assessment under the Mental Health Act as those taken by the police to hospital for this purpose, according to research published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today.
10 October 2005
Elderly mental health care criticised in new report
Older people suffering from mental health problems are facing a lack of adequate services and age discrimination, a charity report has revealed.
Elderly mental health care criticised in new report
Older people suffering from mental health problems are facing a lack of adequate services and age discrimination, a charity report has revealed.
08 December 2003
Stark BMA report paints gloomy picture of teen health
A report from the British Medical Association (BMA) has presented a gloomy assessment of the health of the nation's teenagers.
Stark BMA report paints gloomy picture of teen health
A report from the British Medical Association (BMA) has presented a gloomy assessment of the health of the nation's teenagers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
