Over £8 million for healthcare students

Nursing, midwifery and allied health professional students will be able to access alternative clinical placements to support their practical education disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19).

Funding of £8 million will help to ease pressure on clinical placement capacity in health and social care settings to ensure students gain the required practical skills, learning and practice hours for their studies.

University staff will be able to deliver new placements and practical training using innovative technology with funding of £3.8 million. There will also be a 50% increase in the number of education staff who supervise students on clinical placement with investment of £4.9 million. This includes more staff to support students in care homes and other health and social care settings.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said:

“Healthcare students have shown extraordinary dedication, resilience and commitment during the past year. While there have been challenges in delivering clinical placement opportunities, this funding will provide new and innovative educational opportunities and alternative placement models and settings that will provide students with flexibility over the next two academic years.

“The Scottish Government remain committed to delivering quality education for healthcare students and this investment will ensure they continue to develop their skills in a safe environment.”