Context
The NHS is facing a shortage of nurses and the Department for Health and Social Care has taken steps to address this issue.
Question
I am delighted to hear that we are successfully recruiting into the nursing profession. Does my hon Friend agree that it is not just school leavers, but dedicated and caring people of all ages and diverse working backgrounds who have the transferable skills needed to start nursing qualifications? Will she outline what steps her Department is taking to engage with these individuals and encourage them to consider nursing as a vocation?
Answer from Helen Whately (Con) Minister for Care
I completely agree that nursing should be open to all men and women from diverse backgrounds. Our £5,000 grant to all nursing degree students, starting this autumn, will help students with the cost of that degree course. In addition to the apprenticeships route that I just mentioned, in January we are launching an online blended nursing degree to give another route into nursing.
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