Widening Access to Nursing and Midwifery

Scotland’s Chief Nursing Officer has commissioned a review into widening access to nursing and midwifery education and careers.

The review will be led by Depute Principal of the University of West of Scotland, Professor Paul Martin CBE who will work with key stakeholders to identify best practice and current barriers to entering the professions, and to make recommendations to enhance accessibility to a wide range of aspiring nurses and midwives.

Health Secretary Shona Robison formally launched the review at Edinburgh Napier University’s Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, where she met current students.

Ms Robison said, “Nurses have a vital role to play in achieving our vision for health and social care in Scotland and are at the heart of our NHS – it is important that we continue to maximise the opportunities to pursue careers in nursing and midwifery. The Scottish Government remains committed to free tuition fees and protecting the non-means tested, non-repayable nursing and midwifery student bursary – which we believe is essential to ensure a steady supply of trainees into the profession. This commission aims to maximise that investment.”

Gordon Macdonald MSP, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, notes, “The final report will identify what obstacles there are to nursing and midwifery careers. The recommendations will cover actions to improve access to education and careers. The commission will form an important strand of the 2030 Nursing Vision that aims to shape the future of the nursing profession. Nursing and midwifery is at the heart of our health and social care provision.”