Paying the minimum wage would be the fairest way to provide cash-strapped students with financial support, the SoR has concluded.

Between September and December 2009, the government asked students, unions and educators to share their thoughts on how the NHS Bursary Scheme could be revised to enhance support for prospective NHS staff.

Stakeholders responding to the DH consultation were asked to choose from a list of possible options, including in-service training programmes, loan allocation or a revised bursary scheme.

Responding on behalf of radiography students, the SCoR chose option five which called for students to receive a salary whilst studying.

Under this plan, students would be employed, whether taking a diploma or a degree, by an appropriate NHS organisation on contract basis. The contract would begin upon commencement of a student's studies and would end when the student completes or leaves the course. They would not be eligible for a student loan, but the NHS would continue to pay all tuition fees.

SoR professional officer for education and students, Samantha Jewell, explained the Society's position: "One of the reasons for the high level of attrition for radiography students is financial concerns. Providing a system where students are paid at a certain level and not incurring debt through loans would undoubtedly allow the profession to attract and retain candidates."

She cited examples in the UK where trusts are already funding student radiographers during training. "This has been positive for both the HEIs and the trusts. The HEIs have been able to recruit excellent students, and the trusts have contracts with these individuals so that they are training the students they will employ after graduation."

However, Sam conceded that the liklihood of this option being implemented by ministers was "doubtful".

One of two alternative options chosen by the SoR was for students to be given a non-means tested bursary to bring income up to a defined level, with no access to student loans. The maximum amount available would be significantly more than the amount that degree and diploma students get now.

Failing that, the SoR supported the provision of a non-means tested bursary for all students set at the same level as those currently available to diploma students.

Overall, the SoR's message was clear: "The government needs to provide adequate financial support to attract, train and retain high calibre individuals to provide a life-long service for the good of the country in-line with the government's current policy focus on quality. This was a major consultation and will have a huge impact for radiography students. We are waiting to hear from the government how things will progress."

The consultation is now closed and the responses are being summarised by the DH.

Posted: 01/02/2010