Means-tested bursary assist funds for nursing and midwifery college students are to be boosted by 15% for the approaching tutorial yr.
The announcement was made by well being minister Robin Swann who mentioned the mileage allowance for college kids on scientific placement would even be elevated by 5%.
The minister mentioned the change was an try and “alleviate the impression” of the cost-of-living disaster dealing with pupil nurses.
The will increase come into impact for the 2022/23 tutorial yr and Mr Swann mentioned his division are additionally endeavor work on a draft public session across the complete bursary system.
The rise introduced within the bursary applies to the dependents allowance for partner or first baby, the allowance for subsequent youngsters and the dad and mom studying allowance.
Mr Swann mentioned the estimated annual elevated value within the rises will whole £168,000.
“These strikes are an effort to alleviate the impression of the present value of residing disaster on college students on commissioned healthcare programmes,” Mr Swann mentioned.
“My division has been conscious of the rising monetary pressures dealing with college students, notably mature college students with household duties.
“I perceive that these will increase can not handle the present inflation ranges and the final erosion within the worth of bursaries however I'm decided to do what I can inside the restricted means accessible to me at a time when the division’s monetary place is severely constrained.
“Over latest years the Division has prioritised its restricted finances in rising the variety of nursing and midwifery coaching locations.
“This has seen numbers of scholars rise by nearly 90% since 2015/16.
“There's a clear recognized must additional improve recurrent funding within the variety of coaching and schooling locations throughout the complete vary of healthcare professions.
“That is required to assist commitments to safe protected staffing ranges, cut back HSC’s use of company and locum staffing and to facilitate the mandatory transformation within the supply of care.”
He added: “It's extra necessary than ever that the system of nursing bursaries is positioned on a sustainable footing over the long run.
“We have to be certain that the assist offered is efficient and reasonably priced. I've subsequently requested officers to begin work on bringing ahead a draft public session doc reviewing the current bursary system.”