STUDENT paramedics “need action now” on the implementation of bursaries to ensure they are not forced to live on the poverty line, MSPs have heard.
Giving evidence to the Public Petitions Committee, campaigner Rory Maclean pushed for financial support for student paramedics to match that given to nurses and midwives studying at university, which would equal £10,000 per year.
Maclean said extending the bursary scheme to include trainee paramedics would increase diversity and ensure those studying the course would not face financial hardship.
A petition calling for the change has received 1187 signatures as well as support from trade unions, industry bodies and four of the five political parties at Holyrood.
In her written submission to the committee about the petition, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said a review is taking place into the education of allied health professionals, including the financial support made available to student paramedics.
However, Maclean told the committee any change should not have to wait for the review to be concluded. He said: “We want action now and we need action now to stop student paramedics living on the poverty line.”
Freeman also detailed support already available to paramedic students, including for the payment of uniforms, health and disclosure checks and placement expenses. She said that totals more than the £5000 bursary made available to students in England and Wales.
But a letter from Rachel Taylor, Maclean’s fellow campaigner and the original author of the petition, said nursing and midwifery students also receive this support on top of their bursary.
Maclean added: “Creating a student paramedic bursary or matching us into the existing nursing and midwifery bursary would open the doors to so many more caring and committed people who want to become paramedics.
“No-one takes up this job for the pay, no-one takes it up for the hours, no-one takes it up because it’s easy – we take it up because we care.
“We want to be there for the Scottish people when they’re struggling, we want to pick your granny up off the floor when she’s had a fall, we want to be there to hold your hand when you’re delivering that baby at home on your own.
“We want to be there to give you support in those moments that are so heart-wrenching ... and all we’re asking is for a bursary so we can focus on that completely so that we don’t have to worry about our finances.”
Maclean went on to say that the bursary would increase the number of people studying to work in the profession, as well as limiting course drop-outs and relieving the stress felt by students struggling financially.
The committee unanimously decided to write to the Health Secretary about the petition.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here